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THE MESSENGER
February 2, 2024
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New Small Group: Present Hope — An Interest Meeting
Sunday, February 4, 11:15am in the St. Mark's Room
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Present Hope is a new group here at Christ Church for those who have lost a spouse. It is a place to gather for fellowship and good conversation. This first gathering will be a meeting to discuss general interest, what the group is, meeting times, and more. If you are someone who has lost a spouse, consider joining Rev. Paul in the St. Mark’s room on Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 to learn more. | |
Near the Pool of Bethesda:
A Healing Prayer Retreat
Saturday, February 17, 1-4pm
Join Rev. Paul in a half-day retreat for a time of reflection, prayer, and invigoration in which we will explore stories of Jesus’ healing and learn about the ministry of healing prayers. This retreat is open to all, but especially to those who would like to be to a part of Christ Church’s Healing Prayer Ministry Team. Learn more or RSVP by emailing Rev. Paul.
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We Need Your Gifts: Lenten Devotional Sign-Up | |
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This Lent our parish daily devotional will invite us to intimately journey with Psalm 51. 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 written reflection or a poem; perhaps you are inspired to create a piece of art; perhaps your musical heart calls you to share a song with us. You can sign up with the link in the Messenger or with the sign-up outside the Parish Hall.
Share Your Gifts, Sign Up Today!
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES | |
Breakfast Club Youth Gathering
Sunday, February 4, 9am
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Youth are invited to gather this Sunday for Breakfast Club beginning at 9am in the Christ Church kitchen. On the first Sunday of each month our middle and high school students meet to prepare our favorite breakfasts together. Don’t miss it!
On the menu: French toast, eggs, bacon, and fruit
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General Convention Youth Trip - Registration Now Open!
June 22-28, 2024 – Louisville, Kentucky
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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. Cost is $1,500, scholarships available.
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Lent is a season of transformation and self-examination, when we ask God for forgiveness while creating space to talk about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. You are invited to pray and observe this season at Christ Church and experience how these 40 days can lead us into closer unity with God. | |
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Join us in preparing for Lent by eating pancakes with good friends on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30pm.
Ash Wednesday Services
February 14, 8:30am, 12pm & 7pm
Morning Prayer with ashes, 8:30am
Eucharist with ashes, 12pm
Choral Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes, 7pm
Ashes-to-Go
Ashes will be available at the Short Hills Train Station (6-8am) and the circle drive at CCSH (8:30-9:30am).
Choral Evensong for Lent
Please join us at 4pm on February 18 for an Evensong for Lent sung by the Parish Choir. Guest preacher: The Rev. Larry Evans
Lenten Devotional
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, we will publish a daily Lenten Devotional with thought-provoking reflections on Psalm 51 provided by fellow parishioners.
Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday
On Sunday, February 25 we will celebrate the work of Episcopal Relief & Development with a special guest preacher.
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Daily Morning Prayer – In-person & Zoom
Mondays-Thursdays, 8:30am
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.
RMN Noonday Prayer – Zoom
Mondays-Fridays, 12noon
Join neighbors from our Regional Ministry Network weekdays in Lent for a time of communal prayer. This brief Zoom service will be led by clergy and laity from across the region.
Stations of the Cross
This Lent, you are invited to walk the Way of the Cross in the field behind Christ Church. Begin at the edge of the rear driveway on Forest Drive.
Lent Madness
Each day during Lent, while you read and learn about various saints, you get to vote for your favorite in a head-to-head match-up. View this year's bracket.
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Holy Grounds
Outward and Visible Signs:
The Sacraments
Sundays at 9am
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This Epiphany-tide join Rev. Paul and others around the coffee table in the St. Mark's Room 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.
February 4 - Unction
February 11 - Holy Eucharist
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Faith & Film
NEW Day & Time:
Alternating Sundays continuing February 4 at 3pm
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 Sundays at 3pm in the Parish Hall, continuing February 4.
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Weekday Morning Prayer
Monday-Thursday, 8:30am – In-person and Zoom
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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
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Noonday Prayers
Thursdays at 12pm
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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
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Absalom Jones Celebration Service
Sunday, February 11, 3pm
Trinity-St. Philip's Cathedral (608 Broad St., Newark)
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The Union of Black Episcopalians Diocese of Newark Chapter will celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person of African descent ordained a deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church, in an in-person and online service. The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes will serve as celebrant and the Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights will preach. The service will be livestreamed to the diocesan Youtube channel.
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Black History Month Book Recommendations | In celebration of Black History Month, here are five book recommendations, for both youth and adults, from Bishop Hughes and her staff. [Learn more] | |
Christ Church Prayer List | |
Each week, we continue to remember those in need of prayer.
Special Prayers: Christina, Kathy, Tony E., Kay S., Diana B., Hilary S., Ruth G., Sol, Lin K. and Teresa K.
We pray for the Respose of Andrew DuChossois.
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., Anne T., Mildred, Tracy, and Graham.
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: We pray for St. Gregory’s Church, Parsippany; St. Matthew’s Church, Paramus; and St. John’s Church, Passaic.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for The Anglican Church of South America.
We pray for: For Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine.
In observance of Black History Month: We give thanks for the gifts, accomplishments, influence and witness of African-Americans and pray that God will guide our church as it strives for an end to racism in our church, society and institutions.
Please contact the Rev. Paul Keene if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.
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