Keeping Connected March 14, 2025 | | |
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.
| | |
Dear Ones of Christ Church,
When I was in seminary, my friend shared a Lenten (and Advent) resource with me that I would like to share with you. Each year, the writer and poetry lover Sara Kay Mooney offers an Advent and Lent poetry series. If you are interested, you can sign up here or here to receive a poem in your email inbox each Sunday in Lent and Advent. Some weeks I look forward to Sara’s emails, and some weeks I forget that her email is coming and then am surprised to find it there, like a jewel amid the spam and ads that so often fill my personal inbox. Whether I am waiting for them or surprised by them, her emails are always a gift, and I have discovered new poets and new poems through her generous sharing.
Since this year’s Lenten series has already started, below is the poem that Sara shared this past Sunday.
With Lenten blessings,
Melissa +
At Church, I Tell My Mom She’s Singing Off-Key and She Says,
By Michael Frazier
I ain’t off-key. I just stepped out the key
so when I return,
you can understand the key a little bit better.
The preacher isn’t the only
teacher. Why hit a note on the head
when I can kill it? You mean to tell me
you come here week after week
and want the same old Amazing
Grace? Just cause the Blood will never lose its power
don’t mean a melody won’t.
My ministry may not be song, but I got a song
to sing. I done made it from Sunday
to Sunday. You expect me not to celebrate
and thank God, with my hands raised,
my flats off, my full and open
throat?
Source: Poetry (May 2024)
| | |
Finances
Last week we received in over $8772. When giving online, be sure to change the 'Fund' to 'Pledges' so your contribution goes toward your pledge.
Thank you for your loving support of Christ Church.
| | |
Coming Soon! Sacramental Journey!
We are moving to a slightly new model for Prepared Communion which is more aligned with Episcopal theology and allows for students who have participated in
Prepared Communion in the past to have an opportunity for review. The new model is called Sacramental Journey and it incorporates a deeper focus on Baptism and its connection to Holy Eucharist as well as understanding Baptism and Holy Eucharist as sacraments given to us by Christ.
Sacramental Journey started on March 9 and culminates in a special celebration service on May 18. All students in grades 2-5 will participate with special lessons for the full Church School program scheduled along the way. Classes take place during the regular Church School class time of 9-9:50 am on Sunday with occasional sessions lasting a bit longer. Contact Su D'Ambrosio for more information.
| |
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
| | |
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.
| | 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.
| |
Are you Episco-curious? Consider being part of our Inquirers' Class
(The Episcopal Church 101)
Are you interested in becoming confirmed or received in The Episcopal Church? Are you a newcomer who would like to learn more about The Episcopal Church? Or, are you a long-time member who would like to re-connect with what it means to be a practicing Episcopalian? For all the Episco-curious, Melissa will be facilitating an Inquirers' Class, running for 5 weeks from the end of Lent into the season of Eastertide.
Thank you to everyone who took the survey on timing! The class will be held at the church (room TBD) from 6p-7:30p on the following Tuesday evenings in April and May: April 8th, 15th, (off April 22nd and 29th); May 6th, 13th, and 20th
If you took the survey or already emailed us, you are on our list. If you haven't reached out but are interested in attending, please email Melissa or David in the office to register by Sunday, March 23rd. Please note that this is not a drop-in class... participants must register in advance and be able to attend at least 4 of the 5 sessions.
| |
Help Wanted
The Altar Guild is looking for someone who loves to do handwashing and ironing or who would love to learn the ministry of handwashing and ironing the fair linen used for offering the Holy Eucharist at all services.
Previous experience is not required; training will be provided by Robin Nielsen, ministry leader.
If interested please call Robin @ 774 454 2776; or come into the sacristy following a Sunday 10:00 service to inquire about this special ministry.
“Preparing and taking care of the fair linen for the altar is Spiritual”. ~ Janice N.
| |
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
| | | |
Bedtime Chapel Podcast
Nightly Family Prayer & Weekly Bible Study
Deuteronomy 11:18,19
| | |
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
| | Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
In last week’s Keeping Connected Rector’s Reflections, Melissa suggested we might consider “trying on” rather than “giving up” as a way of keeping the 40 days of Lent holy. She specifically mentioned the “trying on” of a new ministry such as the Thrift Shoppe. As we gear up for Spring, and with the upcoming task of transitioning seasonal clothing, we are again reminded that many hands make for light work. Volunteer opportunities are a meaningful way to bring us closer to God and we encourage and welcome you to “try on” the Thrift Shoppe ministry during this Lenten season.
Or, for those considering “giving something up” during Lent, we encourage you and your family to consider a Lenten purge of items you no longer need. Over the next 40 days, gradually fill a box with household decor, kitchenware, jewelry, fiction books, and/or gently worn seasonal clothing. As your box fills, consider how ‘40 Days and 40 Items’ of decluttering and intentional generosity during Lent will benefit the needs of those in our community.
Shoppe Hours:
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-1
| | Christ Church Food Pantry | | The Food Pantry is in need of donations of baked beans, kidney beans, spaghetti, jam/jelly, small bottles of vegetable oil, and small bottles of dish detergent. | | |
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
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday March 19th from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
| | | | |
