Keeping Connected February 21, 2025 | |
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Connect Virtually
We will continue using our new live streaming equipment. You may access our Sunday morning worship service via our YouTube Channel and our Facebook page.
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Dear Ones of Christ Church,
As I mentioned in my sermon last weekend, the season of Lent is approaching, a time when our church calendar invites us to intentionally enter 40 days of reflection, prayer, action, and repentance—turning and returning to God as we prepare together for Holy Week. How might we begin to prepare for this season of preparation? Here are some resources and information:
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Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is March 5th. We will have services of Holy Eucharist with imposition of ashes at noon and 7pm at Christ Church.
- Communities for Spiritual Vitality, a ministry collaboration between the dioceses of Vermont and Massachusetts, is compiling and sharing a daily Lent-Easter devotional for individuals and/or groups to use. Click here to read more and access the devotional.
- The Episcopal Church offers Lenten resources for individuals and groups. Click here to access and explore them.
- Join us at Christ Church for Christian education and formation—Sunday mornings we have Church School at 9am for grades preK-5 and adults, and we have monthly youth group offerings for middle- and high-schoolers. Read more about our Christian education and formation offerings below in this newsletter, including a Lenten Bible study with the Fergusons and the ongoing Bedtime Chapel podcast from Deacon Natalie and Deacon James.
- I would like to offer an adult Inquirers' or "Episcopal 101" small group at Christ Church, either during Lent or Eastertide, depending on people's availability. All will be welcome, whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or would like to re-engage what it means to be part of the "Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement," as former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry would say. For those adults interested in Reception or Confirmation in the Episcopal Church, this group would serve as preparation. Stay tuned to the announcements and next week's Keeping Connected for a survey about possible meeting dates and times, or email or speak with me directly to let me know that you are interested in being a part of the group.
With warm blessings for these cold February days,
Melissa+
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Services for Jim Stanne
The Stanne family wishes to share the following information with the parish community:
Calling hours for Jim will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28th, and Jim's funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st. Friday's calling hours and Saturday's service will both be held at Christ Church. Jim's obituary may be found at this link.
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Notes from the Vestry meeting of February 12, 2025
Please note that ALL vestry meeting minutes are posted on the bulletin board outside our parish office following their approval at the subsequent vestry meeting.
- The vestry introduced and welcomed new officers and members.
- Vestry reviewed and discussed vestry norms and agreed to put further thought into how we may become more recognized and accessible to all parishioners.
- Vestry reviewed and supported language for a Thrift Shoppe and Food Pantry sign meant to state our inclusivity and mission as an outreach program in the community and support volunteers if conflict should arise.
- Discussion and provisional approval of Parochial Report. Noted increase in attendance year over year. Reminder to vestry members to share their feedback on the report's narrative questions.
- Date set for commission of new vestry members.
- Vestry liaison assignments updated.
- Initial review of proposed Sexton’s job description. Motion made and approved to hire a 10 hr per week Sexton. Job description will require further updates before posting.
- Treasurer summary – healthy budget reported.
- Approval of Thrift Shoppe request to pay $5000 to Episcopal Relief Fund to aid victims of the California fires and $2500 to the Christ Church Food Pantry
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on March 12, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Hospitality Room.
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Resources for Families in Church: Just a reminder that there are activities for kids, including a small table and chairs, in the back of the church. We are also providing special bulletins for kids that are aligned with the week's lessons at the front and back entrances. These bulletins have a variety of coloring, brain teasers, puzzles, and other fun activities. For students in grades PreK-1, Su will be available in the nursery to monitor young students who need a separate space during the church service. We hope that these resources will support family attendance at the 10 am service. Please let us know if you have any other ideas for ways to welcome children and families at Christ Church: education@christchurchplymouth.org
Church School Registration: Registration for Church School is open throughout the year. Click the registration form link to sign up or email education@christchurchplymouth.org for more information. Church School Registration Form
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A Note to Parents and Caregivers with Children in Church
Thank you for bringing your children to church. We are so glad you are here!
We know it can be difficult at times to manage little ones during the service.
For that reason, we have provided some resources which we hope will make it easier for you and your family to enjoy worship together.
You will find books and coloring pages at the back of the Mary Chapel. Please feel free to utilize these at any point during the service.
We have installed a TV in the nursery! You are welcome to visit the nursery with your child during any portion of our service and join us via our livestream.
It is okay to take breaks. If you need to step out with your child, our parish grounds are a great place to get the wiggles out.
Above all, please remember: You and your family are very welcome here!
Your children may be squirming, talking, or making noise, but they are also observing, copying, and learning. Children are a gift and an important part of our community; we are grateful to have them worship with us.
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Adult Sunday School! Sundays, 9 to 9:45a | |
Join us in the parish hall or hospitality suite for a time of wondering, discussion, listening, fellowship, prayer, and sharing. No sign up or registration is necessary. Come as you are. Come for one week or every week. There will be coffee (or bring your own!).
For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Melissa.
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2025 LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Come join us for a Lenten Bible study at our home.
HOSTED BY: Dee & Bill Ferguson, 35 Chipping Hill in the Pinehills
TOPIC: The Sermon on the Mount; Matthew chapters 5-7
DAY & TIME: Sunday 4:00 – 5:30pm
DATES: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 & 13
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 7 – 10
This is not a “drop in” study. We ask participants to schedule their calendars to be able to attend most or all sessions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO SIGN-UP: Please call Dee or Bill at 508-224-1680 or email us at fergusondandb@gmail.com.
We look forward to some interesting and lively group discussions!
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Prayer Chain
Our prayer chain consists of devoted parishioners who, in confidence, pray daily for the needs of our parish family. Our mission is to life up to God the prayers of people in need, in joy, or in thanksgiving.
All prayer requests are said for a period of 2 weeks, and all requests are kept in strict confidence. If you would like a prayer said for yourself, a member of your family or friends, please reach out to Robyn Lench Whittles 781-291-9459 or email to betty02364@gmail.com
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Bedtime Chapel Podcast
Nightly Family Prayer & Weekly Bible Study
Deuteronomy 11:18,19
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Bedtime Chapel helps families draw nearer to Jesus by gathering for nightly prayer and deepening their understanding of the Gospel. The podcast includes:
- A 5-Min nightly prayer service
- Weekly companion episodes that explore the themes of the gospel readings of the upcoming week for family members with longer attention spans
Pray with Us Apple, Spotify, Amazon and most other Podcast Servers
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Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
Vestry members have approved the Thrift Shoppe’s request to appropriate remaining 2024 outreach funds. Designated recipients are Christ Church Food Pantry $2500 and Episcopal Relief and Development Fund for California fire assistance $5000.
All future proceeds in 2025 will be shared equally between in-reach to CCP budget and outreach designated by Thrift Shoppe volunteers.
We have many volunteer opportunities and welcome all. If interested please provide your contact information at Office.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com
Shoppe Hours
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-1
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Christ Church Food Pantry | |
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The Food Pantry is in need of donations of medium boxes of dry cereal, baked beans, grape, strawberry or other flavors of jelly/preserves, canned ravioli, small bottles of dish detergent and laundry detergent.
The Food Pantry is looking for someone with grant writing experience to help with occasional funding opportunities. Please contact Barbara Wojtklewicz at
barbara.wojtklewicz@gmail.com
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All are welcome to the Christ Church Food Pantry!
We are open by appointment:
Tuesday 4:00-5:15
Thursday 12:00-1:15 and 4:00-5:15
Saturday 10:00-11:15
Call the pantry message line: 508-746-4959, ext 6, BY 1 PM THE DAY BEFORE YOU WISH TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER. Our volunteers check messages and return your call from their homes to ask you what you need.
Leave a message if you wish to donate non-perishable food and household items, or you may leave your donations under the mailboxes outside the office or in the front entrance to the sanctuary. Squirrels like to get into any bags left on the porch of the food pantry!
If you wish to volunteer, contact Eileen Paris at eileenpca@aol.com
For more information, please contact Barbara Wojtklewicz at 617-291-4634, or by email at barbara.wojtklewicz@gmail.com
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Pastoral Care
For any pastoral care needs of Christ Church, please call Robin Nielsen (774-454-2776) or email robinmarianielsen@gmail.com ~ A home visit, a home visit with holy communion or a phone call can be arranged. Although a small group, our Pastoral Care Ministry team meets monthly in confidence.
For any pastoral emergencies, please call Rev. Melissa Howell 508-746-4959 ext 4, and follow the instructions in her voice message.
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We want to keep you in the loop regarding the happenings at Christ Church. Please send your announcements for the weekly bulletin and Keeping Connected, to the office by 12 Noon on Wednesday. They should include date, time, place, description of event, contact information and should be written exactly the way you want them to appear. | | | | |
