June 2023

Worship with Us

Christ Church is open for worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. The live stream of the 10:00 a.m. service can be found on our You Tube channel! You can watch it in real time or at your convenience. Find it here.

Meet the Bishop

The Right Reverend Carlye Hughes will Visit June 11th


Our Bishop, The Right Reverend Carlye J. Hughes, will be visiting Christ Church on Sunday, June 11th. She will celebrate and preach during our 10:00 a.m. service and offer time following worship for discussion.


Please join us for this important time to engage with our Bishop.

A Note from Our Priest

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.                                                1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

 

The month of June is often a bit of a mixed bag for me. I delight at the warming weather and the prospect of extra time with family and friends. I also feel the full court press to wrap up the program year and complete a litany of projects before entering more fully into summer mode.

 

This June is particularly mixed for me and my family as we move closer to becoming permanent residents of the Garden State. So many loose ends to tie up: people to visit, last trips to favorite PA places to fit in, belongings to pack, moving logistics to organize…I wonder if, like me, you too feel a sense of dualism as we turn the calendar page to June.

 

Times such as this make me all the more grateful for the biblical witness in First Thessalonians. I am grateful for the timely three-fold reminder to rejoice, pray and give thanks.

 

Rejoice, pray and give thanks.

 

No matter how harried the day or overwhelming the to-do list, I trust that God is present in all things, willing the good in my life and the lives of those around me.

 

And so I will rejoice at the blessing my time in PA has been for me and for my family. I will pray for those I will no longer see on a daily basis. I will give thanks for the gift of those people and that place in my life’s journey.

 

I will rejoice in this new chapter of life God has prepared for me and my family in Sussex County. I will pray for this community and all those whose lives are touched by the ministry of Christ Church. I will give thanks for all of the connections, opportunities and possibilities this new call affords.

 

As you move through this transient month of June, I offer these three actions as guideposts. I invite us to be fully present in the setting God has placed us in that day. Tomorrow will come, but the unrepeatable gift of today is worth our full focus. 

 

Blessings and peace,

Chris

Christian Education

Christian Education for All Ages, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday School

Children ages preschool through sixth grade are invited to participate in the joy of learning about God's immeasurable love by sharing the Gospel stories and actively engaging with the Holy Spirit, Sundays, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on the playground or in the Sunday School rooms downstairs. Got questions? Contact Susie Mittelstadt at 973-600-7725 or email susan@njworks.com.


Journey Youth Group

The Journey Youth Group invites students in grades 7 - 12 to participate in group discussion, outreach ministries, and fun activities. Contact Randy Parks, 862-266-0513 or randolph.parks@atlantichealth.org, with questions.


Adult Bible Study with Father Chris

Want to reflect more on the day’s scripture lessons? Join Chris and others in Holley Hall at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday – we’d love to see you!

Parish Activities

Church Picnic June 25th


It's time to frolic! Join your church family for a picnic on the patio and playground immediately following the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, June 25th.


The church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages.


Those whose last names begin with the letters A - M, please bring a salad or side dish to share. If your last name starts with N - Z, please bring a dessert.

CPR Class in July


Interested in learning basic CPR and the use of a defibrillator? Take a class at Christ Church, Saturday, July 15th, 9:00 a.m. - noon. Fee is $20 per person. Space is limited. Call the church office, 973-383-2245 to register.

Christ Church Youth Choir to Perform in June

The Youth choir will perform on Sundays, June 8th and June 15th! Got questions? Contact Debbie Mello at dmello435@gmail.com or speak with her after church.


Acolytes & Crucifers Needed

Students in elementary school, middle school, and high school are invited to serve as acolytes and crucifers during the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. Contact Karrie in the church office, office@christchurchnewton.org or 973-383-2245 if you are interested.

Christ Church Women

The CCW meeting and potluck lunch will be held at church on Thursday, June 15th, 11:30 a.m.


We are planning a summer CCW excursion! Join us on Saturday, July 1st, to tour the Izvorul Tamaduirii Mission Church, a beautiful maramures wood church (Romanian Orthodox) in Long Valley, followed by lunch at Mattar’s Bistro. Meet at the church at 9:30 AM to carpool. We will collect a free-will offering to give to the mission church.


For more information, or to RSVP for the mission trip, contact Diana Greene at dianatgreene@gmail.com.

Christ Church Book Club

The Christ Church Book Club will meet on Wednesday, June 21st, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune. New participants are always welcome.  


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4245292224?pwd=YTVMeHVrV25lYjRMMittOHllbjFIZz09

Meeting ID: 424 529 2224

Passcode: Y6bT9G 



For more information, please contact Lori Parks at 862-266-3059 or lacparks@hotmail.com.

Sunday Volunteers

Those who have volunteered to serve as Ushers, Acolytes, Crucifers, Altar Guild members, Coffee Hour Hosts, or Brunch in a Bag Sandwich Slingers can check their schedule on the Christ Church website.

Manna House Volunteers

Christ Church provides volunteers to Manna House at the First Presbyterian Church of Newton on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next volunteer opportunity is June 28th. Those interested in volunteering are invited to call Laura Booker, 973-383-7635 or email lpbooker40@gmail.com


Manna House will host a spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, June 13th, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Cost for adults, $5, children 5 - 12, $3. Children under 3 years of age are free. Proceeds benefit Manna House.

Christ Church in Stitches

The Christ Church in Stitches group meets on the second Thursday of each month; the next gathering will take place on June 8th, 11:00 a.m. This month, we will continue to work on blankets for veterans as well as starting a new group project. All those who enjoy crocheting or knitting are invited to join our merry tribe. We have plenty of yarn and supplies for you to start your own project or you can help by working with the group. 

 

If you know of ANYONE (family member/friend) who is ill, in need of, or would appreciate any of our gifts of comfort and love please contact Johanna Osborne (201)-788-6361 or at johannaosborne7@gmail.com.

Commemorative Altar Flowers

Parishioners are encouraged to contribute toward the purchase of the flowers on the altar in order to commemorate a special occasion or loved one; Sanctuary Lights or Candles, $20; Altar Flowers, $50. Contact Alex Zander at ahzander@yahoo.com or contact the church office to offer flowers or to make a monetary donation.


Faith Community Nurse Available

Did you know that Christ Church has its very own Faith Community Nurse? Beth Batastini is available to assist you with healthcare issues, personal visits, and other concerns. Contact Beth at bethbatastini@gmail.com or 973-876-5579.

Parish News

A New Directory is Coming


It's been TEN years since our last parish directory, and we think it's time for a new one! However, we need your updated contact information. Forms are available in Holley Hall and on the website. Please complete the information and leave the form in the container provided. Information about photos will be forthcoming.

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servants!
  • The members of the Christ Church Youth Choir for their outstanding performance on Mother's Day.
  • All those who assisted with the celebratory send-off of our Interim Rector, the Reverend Dr. Tim Mulder.
  • Our dedicated Breakfast Crew - and their sous chefs - for supplying us with bountiful breakfasts all season long.
  • Christ Church members who showed their encouragement of parishioner Maureen Slamer at her art exhibit in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Birthday and Anniversary Information Needed


We want to celebrate your birthday and your anniversary - but we can't if you don't give us the information. Please call Karrie in church office, 973-383-2245, or email the information to office@christchurchnewton.org.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happening in the Community

Grieving in the Aftermath of Suicide


A panel discussion, "Finding Hope in Times Like These; Grieving in the Aftermath of Suicide" will be held Tuesday, June 6th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph's School Auditorium, 24 Halsted Street, Newton. Discuss coping with feelings of abandonment, anger, trauma, frustration, guilt, and shame. FREE; dinner provided. Also available by Zoom. RSVP by calling the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 973-948-2283, or online at www.karenannquinlanhospice.org/hope.


Sponsored by the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center and Atlantic Health.

Looking Ahead
  • Opportunity Sunday, September 10th.
Church Calendar Online
Stay up-to-date with the events at Christ Church by checking out the calendar on our website .

Christ Church Newton | Phone: 973-383-2245 | Fax: 973-383-8077 | office@christchurchnewton.org | www.christchurchnewton.org

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