Weekly newsletter from Christ Church

A message from the Rector

Last night, our vestry gave the approval to enter a contract for the replacement of our nave roof.

This is good news on many levels. First, it's work that urgently needs to be done, as the current roof is overdue to be replaced and is beginning to lose shingles.

Second, we're drawing nearer to an engineer's report and decision on how to proceed with repairing the plaster ceiling in the nave. We know that the roof will need to be completed before entering that phase of the work, so this clears a major step in that process.

And third, due to the foresight of earlier (and some current) members of the congregation who met a matching fund from our diocese, Christ Church has a designated roof replacement fund totaling around $50k. I believe this was secured sometime in the 1990s. This, plus a $6k grant Ivy Tulin recently attained for us, leaves us only $10k short of the roughly $66k bid we're accepting.

Of course, there will be more to say on all this work. But today we give thanks to the congregation of decades past who were good stewards for a future generation at Christ Church. May all we do reflect that same spirit of care for those who come after us.

faithfully,

Amber

Holy Week services

Palm Sunday - April 2 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

With procession, palm waving, and passion reading. Jazz Vespers at 5:00 p.m.

Holy Wednesday - April 5 at 5:15 p.m.

Healing Eucharist; the commemoration of the Bargain of Judas.

Maundy Thursday - April 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Jesus leaves us with his final mandate. A service of Eucharist with foot-washing and

stripping of the altar.

Good Friday - April 7 at 12:00 (spoken) and 7:00 p.m. (with choir)

A day of solemn prayer as Jesus descends to the dead. Stations of the Cross follow the noon service.

Easter Vigil (Saturday) - April 8 at 8:00 p.m.

This is the night! A people who begin in darkness see the new fire and the light of resurrection. Festive reception follows.

Easter Sunday - April 9 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist with choir, egg hunt between services

Upcoming events

Women's group dinner

Thursday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

All women of Christ Church are invited to a dinner at Sugar Loaf Tap House. Please RSVP to Louise Schultz by March 19.

Community breakfast

Saturdays, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Every Saturday morning, Christ Church volunteers serve a hot breakfast to our anyone who needs it. Sign up to volunteer here.

Alamo Easter Basket Drive

Last year, your kindness provided 125 Easter baskets to families in need at the Alamo. We are hoping to reach the same goal this year by collecting Easter baskets and grass, candy, coloring books and crayons, small toys, chocolate bunnies, etc. A collection box is set up in the parish hall during coffee hour. You can also leave donations at Christ Church during the week. Please contact Joanne O’Keefe with any questions.

Poetry of transformation and repentance

Wednesdays during Lent, 6:00 p.m.

The Greek metanoia is often translated as repentance, but suggests a deeper sense of transformation. Join Amber, our rector, for a discussion of works of poetry that explore these concepts of the season of Lent.

Pastoral care

March's pastoral care team is led by Gail Graf. Feel free to reach out with any pastoral care concerns, or call her at (917) 972-4180.

Book club

Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott. New members are always welcome! Email Lisa Laico to be added to the contact list.

Cabaret

Saturday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.

Mark your calendar for Cabaret! Tickets can be purchased by contacting the church office. The ticket price is $85 and includes table seating, light fare, and of course an intimate, musical event. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Join us for an incredibly fun evening for a great cause!

Current silent auction items:

· Islander tickets (4 tickets center ice)

· Vacation home in Palm Desert (May or October 2024)

· A Day at the Races (Historic Saratoga race track includes 4 clubhouse seats)

· Artwork by Melissa Wilkinson

· 1-hr massage

· Private pickle ball lessons by our renowned expert Phil McCutcheon

· A day of home improvement aka “Men at Work”

· Whiskey Bar/Warwick Taxi outing

· Professional photo session with Jean Storckman

· Etched wine glasses

· Photo and hand-painted greeting cards

· Dinner at the Rectory

· Cupcake baking class with Tammy

Episcopal Youth Community

Wednesday, March 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

It's Stone Soup and Psalm Bomb night! All 6th-12th graders are invited as we make soup and greetings to share with our church family. Please bring one item (veggies, broth, spices, etc.) to add to our soup pot; an online sign-up sheet will be sent this week. Contact Joanne O’Keefe if you plan to attend.

Wednesday, March 29, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Members of our congregation are invited to join our youth group (EYC) for fellowship and fun. On this night, we will assemble and wrap Easter baskets in preparation for delivery to the Alamo. If you are free, please join us; all ages are welcomed. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Please contact Joanne O’Keefe if you plan to attend.

Worship with us

Sundays

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

10:00 a.m. Coffee hour and formation classes

11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist with choir

5:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers (first Sunday of the month)

Wednesdays

5:15 p.m. Healing Eucharist

Thursdays

7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer (online only, click for Zoom link)