Lenten Devotional Sign-Up

This Lent our parish daily devotional will invite us to intimately journey with Psalm 51. There are few scriptural passages that better describe the relationship we have with the God who forgives than this Psalm. With the psalmist we say, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to your loving kindness.” We’ll read reflections written by you, pray with art shared by you, meditate with music shared by you—all of it deeply engaging with this most beautiful psalm.

How might you participate in creating this year’s Daily Lenten Devotional? Perhaps you can share a brief written reflection, a poem, or a story; perhaps there is some visual art that comes to mind—perhaps you are inspired to create a piece of art; perhaps your musical heart calls you to share a song with us. However you feel called to participate, we want you to join with us in creating this year’s Lenten devotional.

Share Your Gifts, Sign Up Today!

Holy Grounds Epiphany Series

Outward and Visible Signs: The Sacraments

Sundays at 9am in the St. Mark's Room

This Epiphany-tide join Rev. Paul and others around the coffee table as we explore the 7 sacraments—what they are; where they come from; why we do them; who they’re for; and, most importantly, what they mean. 

New: Weekly Morning Prayer

Monday-Thursday, 8:30am – In-person and Zoom

In this new year we invite you to begin your day with Morning Prayer, a time of abiding with God in community. A part of the Daily Office, Morning Prayer is a Spiritual practice with deep roots in the Anglican tradition. The daily recitation of psalms, dwelling in scripture, and speaking with God through prayer helps us to spread wide our branches, to give thanks, to know, and to be known. Join us in person in the baptistry or online via Zoom for this 30-minute service. 

Join Morning Prayers on Zoom

Meeting ID: 874 7000 5903 | Password: CCSH

General Convention Youth Trip

June 21-28, 2024 - Louisville, Kentucky

Have you ever wondered how decisions get made in the Episcopal Church? Do you want to see how other Episcopalians live out their faith? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be in the convention center where it all happens! Youth from across the diocese (grades 8-12) are invited to travel to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Louisville, KY.

As a group we will meet with deputies from our diocese, attend legislative hearings and worship, explore Louisville, engage with a local outreach ministry, and watch the historic election of the next Presiding Bishop. Final costs TBD. If you are interested or have questions contact Chris Whitaker.

A Case for Love Documentary

Tuesday, January 23, 4pm & 7pm, Various locations

On January 23, a new film inspired by the leadership of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be screened at over a thousand theaters nationwide including in Watchung and Wayne, NJ.

“A Case for Love” is a documentary that examines whether love, specifically unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the US.

Now, more than ever, we live in a divided society. Many have moved into tribal corners, seeing the world from an “us versus them” point of view. This documentary focuses on everyday people from across the U.S., striving to live their lives selflessly while representing various ethnicities, walks of life, and socio-economic backgrounds.

In addition to these people, well-known figures, including Sec. Pete Buttigieg, Al Roker, Sam Waterston, the Rev. Becca Stevens, Rep. John Clyburn, Dr. Russell Moore, the Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, Sen. John Danforth, Rabbi Yeheil Poupko, Dr. Mohammed Elsanousi, Rabbi Shoshana Conover, and historian Jon Meacham offer insight. [Learn more and purchase tickets]

Lay Retreat with Bishop Carlye J. Hughes

February 2-4, 2024 at Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center

Lay members of the diocese are invited to (W)holy Work: Seeing Our Daily Work as Ministry, a weekend retreat with Bishop Hughes at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center.

How would our approach to work change if we thought of our work as a holy calling? What if our most precious offering to God is to see ourselves as serving God’s people in the workplace? Join us as spiritual guide Kathleen Henderson Staudt leads a retreat focused on exploring the way we see our work. [Learn more and register]

The Pingry School Choirs Coming to Christ Church

Join us on Sunday, January 21 at 10am when the service will be led by the choirs of the Pingry School. The “Old American Songs” of Aaron Copland will be performed under the direction of Jay Winston and Andrew Moore. The students will also perform a cappella selections during coffee hour following the Eucharist.

Rev. Bowie's Sabbatical: Part II

Rev. Bowie began the second half of her sabbatical this past week and will be away through February 7. During this portion of her sabbatical, she will focus on writing and poetry as a spiritual discipline.

Ongoing Spiritual Formation

Holy Grounds

Sundays at 9am

Gather around a fresh pot of coffee at 9am in the St. Mark’s Room to explore varied extended topics in scripture and Christianity, to ask burning questions, and to deepen our Christian vocation through conversations and learnings on faith.

Note: See above for additional details through Epiphany.

Noonday Prayers

Thursdays at 12pm

Take a brief break on Thursdays at noon to worship together on Zoom. We will use An Order of Service for Noonday from The Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome!

Join Noonday Prayers on Zoom

Meeting ID: 874 7000 5903

Password: CCSH

Faith & Film

Alternating Thursdays beginning January 25 at 7pm

This Winter and Spring, join Rev. Paul and others for popcorn, film, and conversation as we watch the second season of the critically acclaimed show, The Chosen. Each episode is about an hour long, and we follow it with reflection about what’s happening in the show and in our own life of faith. Alternating Thursdays at 7pm in the Parish Hall, starting January 25.

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

Special Prayers: Hilary S., Ruth G., Sol, Teresa K., Hope L., and Tracy.

Ongoing Prayers: Rebecca M., Mabel, Leonor D., Suzanne M., Paul J., Vivian J., Jane H., Linda J., Graham P., Sofia D., Liz D., Ginny, Celine, James I., Mary I., Frank B., Angelo B., Andrew G., Peter M., Duke L., Mary T., Joanie, Katia G., Priscila F., Winnie, Curtis F., Lupe V., Sandra, Donna N., Sen K., Elena B., and Anne T.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: We pray for House of Prayer, Newark; St. Andrew’s Church, Newark; and Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for Church of the Province of South East Asia

We pray for: For Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine. We pray for all those effected by the earthquakes in Japan.

Please contact the Rev. Paul Keene if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.