Keeping Connected March 21, 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.
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“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.” - Isaiah 35:1-2
Dear Ones of Christ Church,
The crocuses are up and open in my garden and yard, and their bright colors are a sign to me, as they must have been to the prophet Isaiah, of earth’s and Creation’s blossoming and rejoicing. Even in times of wilderness, in times of destruction, authoritarianism, war, loss, grief, the crocus rises and opens. Its movement toward the light, its new life, its blooming, its living fully as itself will not be stopped. The crocus heartens me. God’s voice, “singing” as Isaiah puts it, and God’s presence, through the opening crocus, hearten me. Every year, the crocus is a “small-s” sacrament for me—a grace-filled sign of God’s love for us and for all of Creation. In church school, during the first week of our Sacramental Journey class, we talked about “small-s” sacraments, and the “capital-S” Sacraments of Eucharist and Baptism. I hope, even as we remember and live out of the grace of our Baptisms and return to Jesus’s table each week to receive and be nourished by Holy Communion, that we are also seeking and finding these “small-s” sacraments, these daily reminders of God’s unshakable and resurrecting love for us.
This coming week, I will be offline and away on retreat, returning Tuesday 4/1. It will be a blessing to pray for you while I am away. I will be praying for you all as a parish, and for those on our prayer lists. Additionally, if you have other private prayer requests you would like me to hold for and with you while I am on retreat, please email them to me by this Sunday 3/23 at noon, or write your request down, and either give it to me at church this weekend, or leave it in my mailbox outside the office.
With Lenten blessings,
Melissa+
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Finances
Last week we received in over $2857. 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.
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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.
| | 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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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.
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Creation Care
Now that we have reached the goal of installing solar panels, it is time for the Creation Care Committee to reconvene to determine what our next steps/focus should be. We will meet after the 10 AM service on Sunday, April 6th. We are inviting others, including young people, to attend to share ideas. Contact Connie (conmel@aol.com/508.746.380) for further information.
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Brass Polishing
The Altar Guild is inviting anyone who wishes to participate in the Brass Polishing of all of our sacred holy hardware in the sanctuary, in order to get us ready for our Easter celebrations.
Saturday April 5th beginning at 9:30 until 12:30; come anytime during that period, giving an hour or more or just 1/2 hour…many hands make light work with an opportunity for fellowship while doing good work for our beautiful sanctuary.
With Grateful Appreciation ~ Robin Nielsen, ministry leader
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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.
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Notes from the Vestry meeting of March 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.
Save the dates:
Vestry Retreat May 2 & 3
Informal Bishop’s visit Sunday, June 8, tentative time: 5:30p
(more details to come from diocese)
Dates Melissa will be away:
Retreat March 24 – 31
Three days after Easter (all clergy in diocese off)
April 28 – 30 Diocesan Clergy Conference
Vacation June 9 - 23
Presentation about Parish Ministry Network was given by Louise Woodruff
10 hr Sexton position has been posted.
Buildings and Grounds Committee looking for “Helping Hands” volunteers willing to be contacted for help with special events etc...
Upcoming tree clean up / Hemlock removal discussed.
Water Cooler installation moving forward with help from $800 Coffee House funds.
Treasurer’s report:
Overall February income favorable
Regular giving slightly unfavorable, other giving favorable due to Thrift Shoppe income.
Thrift Shoppe to donate $2500 to Plymouth Pride (rainbow sponsorship). This includes a table at the Pride event on June 29th and CCP listing as a sponsor.
Overnights of hospitality have one week left at Christ Church for this season
Social Justice Ministry being formed - more info to come at the April meeting
New Camera/Speaker/Mic device to be purchased for Hospitality Suite by Building and Grounds Committee.
The next regular vestry meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Hospitality Suite.
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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
| | Christ Church Thrift Shoppe | |
Spring is in the air~ Come by and check out our large selection of newly donated seasonal clothing, Easter decor, housewares, home furnishings, books, jewelry, and more.
Volunteers are always welcome. Please provide your contact information at office.christchurchplymouth@gmail.com
Shoppe Hours:
Thursday and Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-1
| | Christ Church Food Pantry | | The Food Pantry is in need of donations of small bottles of dish detergent, vegetable oil, baked beans, and Chef Boyardee. | | |
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.
| | 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. | | | | |
