The Parish Letter
C h r i st C h u r c h i n W o o d b u r y
July/August 2009 Pentecost
From the Rector
Dear Beloved of Christ: Many of you know that I had the opportunity to fly to Southwest Florida to visit with my father who has recently moved into a retirement community. It was a tremendous trip that allowed me to connect with the new as well as reconnect with those that I remember from my days of growing up in Fort Myers. One such gathering was a casual lunch at the Royal Palm Yacht Club with a regular gathering of those who once held leadership positions within the community.
There was Mayor Oscar Corbin, his daughter and I attended school together; there was attorney Tom Smoot, who in the early sixties figured out how to drain swamp land by placing a ―for sale‖ sign at its extreme edge. Also joining us was Lin Bochette and his father. Lin was a few years ahead of me in school. His claim to fame (beyond being a tremendous guy) was having served as captain of the track and field team at the University of Florida and then going on to race bobsleighs for the winter Olympic team from Puerto Rico (I swear that I‘m not making any of this up). And there was coach ―Dub‖ Kendricks, who was the athletic director of my high school. Coach Kendricks played college football at Florida State University in the late 1940's and he claimed that the only reason I‘m a priest today is because he ran the ―sorriness‖ out of me when I was in High School. Of course, the stories take on a luster of greater brilliance as time goes by. The more distance that is created between actually being there and our memories of those events allows for a bit of editing that is both necessary and grace filled. We are a people who fully live in the stories that reach out to embrace us. This is nowhere more evident than within the Holy Church. Ours is a story that has been written, is being written and will be written all the way to its promised conclusion. There is no greater time to be the Church than this very time that we find ourselves within today. We exist even now within the coming kingdom of Christ and it is our great privilege to serve as stewards over all that our Lord counts as extremely valuable. None of us has simply wandered here. We have been chosen by God and by His great providence, we have been brought to this very location and time. As we traverse through the summer months, I ask that you prayerfully consider your specific participation in our ongoing parish life and the story of salvation history that we have already entered into together. It is exciting to meet with your program leaders as plans are made for another year of education, mission, lay liturgical leadership, ministry, hospitality and stewardship. Their only concern is when their passion meets your hesitancy, resistance or rejection. What would be the reach of Christ Church if each of us - those in the center and those on the periphery - truly approached the altar of God with ―first fruits‖ - the very best and the most desirable of what we have to offer with our time, talent and treasure?
We are purposefully not going to produce another Time and Talent Survey this year primarily due to necessary cost cutting measures. Our intention is to send copies of what we are currently using to our new families and get one more year out of our current listings. As a means of moving forward, I have asked our ministry leaders to reach out by inviting you into new opportunities for lay ministries within our parish. Please ask yourselves these questions: Is the story over - or is it continuing? Will there be a memory made within this place and time that includes your voice, your presence and your touch - or will tremendous editorial comments have to be made at a later date? Please say ―yes‖ to those invitations that resonate within you. Please look around to see where your great passion can touch and heal someone else‘s great need. We all have expectations of our parish that equate to opportunity, growth, stability and an attitude of worship that transcends the here and now. Does your participation outreach your expectation or is it the other way around? None of us have a great deal of discretionary time that is simply standing idle waiting for something that stands out as now deserving our attention. If we approach the Church in this manner, as a consumer, we will surely wither under the weight of our disappointment. Yet, we have plenty of time for worship, for each other, for our children and for the priorities of our risen and ascended Christ. We have plenty of time to step into the story of Christ‘s Victory over death and His reign over the life of the world to come. Sacrifices are made for all that is truly important in our lives. This is the story that matters because it makes us kingdom people now - it takes us into all of eternity. The expressions of holiness that Christ Church makes within our community and within our Diocese are tremendous, and they speak directly to our living in the power of Christ‘s resurrection. The invitation that stands before you is to become part of the story and part of the voice for his particular place and this particular time. ―All excuses ceasing‖ you are being asked to take your rightful place within this specific realm of the kingdom of God. You are being invited to enter even further into what will transform you and this parish into the image and likeness of Christ. The Daily Office invites us in the General Thanksgiving (BCP 101) to live in our relationship with Christ with truly thankful hearts (that) we may show forth (God’s) praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to (his) service and by walking before (him) in holiness and righteousness all our days. It is no secret that following is a great deal easier than walking before someone. But it is necessary if we are to walk by faith. Included within this newsletter are invitations for you to be part of the story and voice that future generations will recount. They will embolden their children by telling them of our mighty acts. Thank you for the privilege of being brought into such a magnificent and life-giving story. I literally look forward to entering into it each and every day. In the peace of God, which passeth all understanding;
Fr. Burgess
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The Parish Letter
Recognitions
Thank you to Tom McGrath for fixing the tower bell ring mechanism after a lightning storm. His quick and thorough response ensured that our bell continued to ring out for all of our weekday masses. A special thank you to Russell Guarino, Director of the Vending Department of the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in Philadelphia for his generous donation of Coca-Cola Beverages for our Annual Parish Picnic. The donation was greatly appreciated! Thank you, again! The Christ Church staff would like to thank the following people who volunteered (under the direction of Barbara Wells, our Volunteer Coordinator) a total of 26 hours in the last 4 weeks to help out in the Parish Office: Sandy Sutton, Rosemary & Gordon Carrigan, Adrian Rogerson, Judy and Fran Fulgham, Judy Giffear Pile, Barbara Rickert, Bethany Campbell, and Audrey Daugherty. If you are able to volunteer on an occasional basis, please call Barbara Wells at 856-218-8135 or email her at bwells1936@verizon.net. Father Burgess was recently gifted an entire solemn ―white set‖ of Eucharistic vestments from the widow and children of The Reverend Fr. R. Bruce Ryan, SSC, former rector of Saint Luke‘s Church, Fort Myers, Florida. Father Ryan, who was ordained in 1956, served parishes in Warren, Pennsylvania (1956-1959); Youngsville, Pennsylvania (1959-1962); Boca Raton, Florida (1962-1966); Hialeah, Florida (1966-1974) and Fort Myers, Florida (1974-1992). Fr. Burges was also gifted Fr. Ryan‘s society cross indicating membership within the Society of the Holy Cross. It was with Fr. Ryan that a young acolyte sat before in order to express his belief that he was experiencing a vocational calling to the sacred priesthood. That meeting took place in 1974 when Fr. Burgess was 13 years old.
Banns of Marriage
I publish the Banns of Marriage between Joseph Scales of Williamstown, NJ and Cindy Roback of Williamstown, NJ. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first time of asking. Fr. Burgess+
For those of you who pledge, your stewardship statement for the period ending June 30, 2009 is enclosed with this newsletter. Please check it for accuracy. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Parish Office at 856-845-0190 and speak to Susan Driscoll in confidence. Please know that we are grateful for your faithful financial support!
Did you know that in July of 2005, our monthly budgeted electric bill for church (not including the Rectory or the Curate‘s residence) was $485.00? Today, it is $825.00! Just a reminder—as we begin our summer, most of us will enjoy these less hectic months with our families and will try to schedule some time away from home. Please be faithful in remitting your pledge, as we count on you to be able to pay our expenses. And do explore the opportunities to worship while you are away from Christ Church!
Pentecost
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American Red Cross Blood Drive
The annual Blood Drive for the American Red Cross sponsored by Christ Church will be held on Monday, July 20 from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. There is a major need for blood donations during the summer months. Your help is needed to make this year‘s drive a success. First, we need donors. If you have donated before you know how easy this is. New donors are always encouraged. Second, we need people to assist with telephone calls for potential donors. Third, we need people to assist with the check-ins on the day of the drive and to assist with donors after they have given blood. Fourth, we are looking for some bakers to supply some cookies to be given to the people after they have donated. If you can assist in any of these areas please contact Mary Beth Bathurst at 856-686-0559, email jim5001@verizon.net, or call the Parish Office at 856-845-0190.
From the Parish Nursing Ministry
Deep Vein Thrombosis With the summer travel season quickly approaching, and highways and airports more congested than ever, travelers need to be aware that sitting motionless for long periods of time in cars, trains, and planes, can put passengers at increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs, from sitting in the same position and not moving for hours. In this edition of Health & Wellness News, we look at ways to reduce the risk of getting DVT, risk factors associated with the condition, and how our healthcare system is responding. When Traveling Consider purchasing compression stockings at a medical supply store and wear them during travel. Avoid wearing short, tight socks or crossing your legs for long periods. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid coffee and alcohol as they cause dehydration. Dehydration causes blood to thicken and vessels to narrow. When traveling by car, stop every two hours to get out and walk around. Between connecting flights and during long flights, get up and move around. If it‘s not easy to move around, rotate your ankles and curl or press your toes down throughout your trip. For more information, visit the website of The Coalition to Prevent DVT: www.preventdvt.org From The Episcopal Church Medical Trust Health & Wellness News, April 2009
From the Social Security Administration, District Office, Glassboro, NJ Prescription drug costs can be a considerable financial burden, especially for low income seniors. The parish office has a number of pamphlets available that provide information about how to get help paying for prescription drugs. Contact the parish office at 856-845-0190 to obtain a copy. Or go the SSA website for more information: www.socialsecurity.gov
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Youth Recognitions
Laura Lonabaugh
Laura recently finished her freshman year at the University of New Hampshire, Durham with Semester Honors. Laura is an Equine Therapy major with a minor in Psychology. She plans to work with handicapped children and horses. Laura also was inducted into the Sigma Alpha sorority. Sigma Alpha is a national professional sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and professional development in women pursuing careers in agriculture.
Laura Lonabaugh (third from left)
Photo courtesy of Linda Lonabaugh
Kevin Lonabaugh
Kevin was named to the Dean's list for the spring semester at The College of William and Mary. This spring Kevin was installed as a member of the Mortar Board Society at the college. Mortar Board is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. The William and Mary chapter has approximately 40 members, all highly active scholars and leaders drawn from the Senior Class. Kevin recently returned from the Amazon in Brazil where he volunteered to do research with Projeto Boto—a biology conservation project with pink river dolphins. Kevin lived on a floating house (flutuante) on the flooded river in the Mamiraua Reserve. Kevin said the experience was amazing! The research project he was working on is featured in the June 2009 National Geographic.
Jamie Hill
Jamie Hill, grandson of Edie Hill and nephew of Kathy and Bill Arseneau, was drafted by the USHL Waterloo Blackhawks Hockey Team in May. Jamie will attend Waterloo West HS, Waterloo, Iowa, this fall for his senior year of high school. He previously was a student at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School where he played on their ice hockey team (and where our own Tori Wishnick serves as Athletic Director). Jamie also played on the U16 AAA Team Comcast Hockey Team which placed second in the National Championships this May. Jamie was drafted by the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League last year and was awarded a scholarship to the University of New Hampshire, a Division I hockey school. Congrats and best of luck to Jamie!
Pentecost
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Mission—Ometepe Island
The Mission work we have done here at Christ Church has been very exciting. You may have heard of the work we did at St. Luke's in Woodstown a few years ago (the painting, wall papering and setting up a nursery for their Sunday School). Perhaps you have seen the pictures of our Mission Work on Ometepe Island with Tom Fritz and his family. This is an ongoing project. Would you like to belong to Mission to help churches in our local area, other churches in the U.S. or perhaps with churches outside of the U.S.? We would love to have you join our Ministry of Mission. There are no specific meeting times—when an opportunity arises where Mission might be able to help out, we lend our support. If you wish to add your name to be called upon in the field of Mission, please contact me, Marilynn McGeoch, at 856-478-0205 or e-mail me at marilynn.mcgeoch@verizon.net.
With the $150 donation from Christ Church this past March, eight children on Ometepe Island benefitted by receiving uniforms, backpacks and supplies to attend the school.
Photos courtesy of Tom Fritz
Buildings and Grounds
Ray Macaluso, our roofer, replaces missing slate tiles on the church roof on June 10. Ray also replaced the roof and flashing on the porch of the Jackson House. Painting and repairs on the Jackson House porch and exterior is scheduled to begin (when the rain lets up!) as well as painting on the exterior of the parish house.
Photo by Fred Daugherty
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Music Notes
Christ Church Choir Christ Church has been very fortunate in having a choir that is dedicated to offering excellent church music to our Lord. These faithful singers prepare their music at choir rehearsals during Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM. They practice for the 10:00 AM morning service, as well as the service of Lessons and Carols in December, The Feast of St. Florian in May, and perhaps a few additional services, as scheduled. The choir (even though they have a great quality of sound) have empty seats in all four sections. In order to plan appropriate music for the size of the choir, we desperately need additional voices to help carry the load. It is a team effort, and every voice counts. The only requirement for joining is to sing a few measures of "Silent Night", so that you may be placed in the proper voice section. It is as easy as that! Instrumental Musicians Parishioners with musical skills add to the beauty of our worship by offering their talents for occasional special services. We have been fortunate to have the occasional accompaniment of flute, violin, viola, and trumpet. Please consider adding your own talents to our occasional services. If you have any questions or wish to join, please contact Richard W. Kurtz at 856-769-1472, or by e-mail at kurtz2@comcast.net. Richard W. Kurtz Organist and Choirmaster
Request for Photographers
Dear Fellow Parishioners: I am the Vestry member of Christ Episcopal Church chairing Communications. I am looking for your help in informing our fellow church members and the community of the many wonderful contributions that Christ Church has to offer to us and the community. As such, I am looking for volunteer photographers (amateur and/or professional) who can take photos during Church events and activities. As you can see throughout this Newsletter, the pictures help so much to tell the story. You do not have to take pictures at every event, but I am hoping to have at least one person at each event. If you can add your name to the list of participating volunteer photographers, please contact me at 856-848-9889 or through e-mail at jml45@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time and talent. Very Truly Yours, Jerry M. Lonabaugh Vestry Member
Pentecost
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Sunday School
Thank you to all of the teachers, assistants and substitutes who worked with our Sunday School program this year. Your service provides an invaluable treasure to the life of our church. This year‘s teachers were: Nancy Garvin, Susann Kaback, Shane Letizia, Marilynn McGeoch, Kim Henning, Susan Novalsky, Nancy Farah, Jen Smith, Peg Geiger, Roe Scott, Kate Baldwin, Nancy Seddon, Jane Gosdis, Shannon Pass, Denise Burgess, Rich Peirce, and Linda Rosser. This year‘s assistants and substitutes were: John Perri, April Perri, Tina Braun, George Braun, Connie DeVito, Christine Burnore, Ralph Farah and Roe Scott. Our strong Christian education program is one of the aspects that makes our parish continue to grow and flourish. The fall will be here before we know it, and the children will be ready to join up with their friends in Sunday School. But before that can happen, classrooms need to be staffed, organized, and supplied. Each year we register new children and welcome them into our church family. Each year we also welcome new teachers and assistants to be a part of that experience as well. We call upon anyone interested in volunteering their time and talent to either teach or assist in a classroom. The job requirements are few: a desire to serve, an interest in working with children, and regular attendance. We‘ll guide you through the rest. Please submit your name and information to me, Emily Withstandley either at ewithstandley@yahoo.com or at 856-812-0521. Please join us in leading this vitally important ministry.
Choral Music Benefactors
Thank you to the parish family members who have returned a Choral Music pledge in support of our Music Program. To date, our pledges for this campaign total $2,495.00! Our benefactors are: Anonymous Friends of Christ Church (2) Richard & Ellen Bellamente Benjamin & Joan Brown Father & Denise Burgess Thomas R. Dennison Linda & James Ferkle Jean & Tom Lucas Anthony & Faith Milone Philip & Taeko Nichols Nancy Parker E. Diana Redfield Sandra H. Sutton Joyce Tortella Jeanne Webb You still have time to support this important ministry here at Christ Church. To obtain a pledge form you can call the parish office at 856-845-0190 or you can print one on-line at www.christchurch.woodburynj.org (pledge form is located on the left-hand menu of our home page). Complete the form and place in the offering plate or mail to the parish office at 62 Delaware Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.
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ECW and ECW Trinity Guild
The ECW and ECW TRINITY GUILD of Christ Church have wrapped up another productive year and are already making preparations for the upcoming year. We hope you will consider becoming a part of these energetic and dynamic groups. The groups consist of and welcomes all Episcopal Church Women to join us for spiritual growth and nourishment, fellowship and an opportunity for service both within the Church and within the community. There is a daytime group (ECW) that meets the third Monday of the month from September to June. The meetings are in the Goodfellow lounge from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM and will be led by the new President, Audrey Daugherty (856-423-0557). The evening group (ECW Trinity Guild) meets the first Tuesday of the month from September to June. The meetings are in the Goodfellow Lounge from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM and will be led by me, Nancy Garvin (856-848-3974), as the new President. A letter will be mailed to all the women of Christ Church at the end of August to invite you to come out and give us a look. We look forward to familiar faces and welcome all newcomers. The ECW and ECW TRINITY GUILD offers an environment for women to pray together and support each other spiritually. We offer an opportunity to get involved in both Church activities and Outreach Projects which benefit the community. The upcoming year starts with the installation of the new Officers at the July 12 th 10:00 AM Mass. We are looking forward to this opportunity to see familiar and new faces. We will be sponsoring trips to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA and the Sketch Club in Woodbury, NJ. We will be sponsoring the annual cheesecake sale, a bake sale, a country store, a Pickle Purse party, and a doll house raffle to raise funds for both the Church Building Fund and the Outreach Programs. We sponsor the PSE&G Giving Tree, Operation Footloose (Shoes for Africa collection) and Project Linus Blanket Donations (and we offer crochet and knitting lessons!). We are in the process of creating a Christ Church Shield car magnet and are looking into the possibility of offering a CPR Class. Please join us for an exciting and fruitful year to come. Come share your friendship and ideas...we look forward to seeing you! Please call if you have any questions! Yours Faithfully, The Ladies of the ECW and ECW TRINITY GUILD
The ECW and ECW TRINITY GUILD would like to take this time to give a personal ―thank you‖ to Joan Sparrow for donating her time as President to both the daytime and evening groups over the past few years. Her leadership, guidance and friendship have paved the way for the new leadership to carry forth into the future with a strong foundation as we become one of Christ Church‘s growing ministries. We look forward to her attendance at future meetings and welcome her continuing guidance. She has been and will continue to be a great asset to both the ECW/TRINITY GUILD and to Christ Church. Thank you Joan! The Ladies of the ECW and ECW TRINITY GUILD
ECW and ECW Trinity Guild Installation of New Officers
Please join us in celebrating the women who have embraced this ministry! The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 12 during the 10:00 AM Mass
All are welcome to join us following the 10:00 AM Mass for a lemonade reception within the Jubilee Garden, hosted by the Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Pentecost
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Youth Group
Christ Church Youth Group was re-established in the fall of 2007 as a way to keep our teens connected to our church. We currently have nine active members and look forward to welcoming new members this fall. Youth Group is open to parish youth confirmation age and up. We encourage our members to invite their friends to join us. We also welcome adult chaperone volunteers and donations. Our meetings take place on the first Sunday of the month after 10:00 Mass in the Goodfellow Lounge from September through May. Many of our meetings are centered on planning activities which are a combination of outreach and fellowship. We usually have one main event per month. Some of our past activities include: Planning, cooking and serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House in Camden Cleaning up the Labyrinth at St. Luke‘s in Westville Assisting at the Sunday School Heifer International Walkathon Bowling Movie night Skiing Camping We will be having a meeting at our home with pizza, games and a bonfire to welcome all interested new members on Friday, August 21st at 7:00 PM. All youth of the appropriate age are welcome to come and see what we‘re all about! For more information please contact: Mike & Darcie Sanchez 856-845-4331 Mike.sanchez@verizon.net Darcie.sanchez@verizon.net
Evangelism
Parish Greeters and Guides
Parish Greeters and Guides are the first people to welcome a new person or family to Christ Church. Their primary task is to create an initial atmosphere of love, unity and enthusiasm for our visitors. The attitude, skills and talents of Greeters and Guides, including a smile and a handshake, can make the difference in someone's decision to come back. You provide the first introduction and distribute welcoming materials (provided by the Evangelism Committee) to new people describing the services and ministries available at Christ Church. Greeters and Guides make new people feel at ease and help them to be comfortable about making us their spiritual home. They love to get to know individuals and are enthusiastic about what God is doing through our church. Greeters and Guides exhibit a sense of excitement every time a visitor spots one of their friendly faces and makes them feel welcomed into God‘s house. If you would like to become a Parish Greeter or Guide, or if you have additional questions about this ministry, please call Jane Gosdis at 856-294-9050\email at jane@gosdis.com or Emily Withstandley at 856-812-0521 \email at ewithstandley@yahoo.com.
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Programs and Activities
Activities Committee
The Activities Committee organizes and facilitates social events to establish community within our parish that integrates the interests of our church groups. The objective of the Activities Committee is to increase fellowship by bringing the members of the parish together with their friends into a relaxed and friendly environment. If you like to plan activities then I would love to have you on my committee, please call me, Jane Gosdis, at 856-294-9050 or email me at jane@gosdis.com.
Dine Out Meet-ups
―They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.‖ (Acts 2:42)
Do you like to…
Eat good food? Meet new friends or reconnect with old ones? Try new Restaurants?
Then try our new Dine Out Meet-ups!!! They are an opportunity for people to get to know each other in an informal, comfortable setting. Think of the importance the dinner table has played throughout the centuries… it‘s the place where families and friends have gathered to share stories about their day, to laugh, to talk, to enjoy one another‘s company… and of course, to eat. A new restaurant each month!! Look for more information to come and if you would like to recommend or suggest a restaurant please call Jane Gosdis at 856-294-9050 or email at jane@gosdis.com.
From Our Stewardship Chair
A note of contemplation from a contributor to Forward Day by Day from Forward Day by Day, Forward Movement Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio
SUNDAY, April 19 Easter 2 Acts 4:32-35. Everything they owned was held in common. Having experienced Easter, the early church lived Easter. Possessing the Risen Christ, they happily concluded that this saving reality made all other possessions irrelevant. As one who preaches and practices tithing, I once only half-jokingly proposed in a stewardship sermon to my 225 congregants-the professional and intellectual elite of our county seat college town-that all 226 of us do three things: quit our jobs; go to work at McDonalds; and then based on that new income level prayerfully commit to tithe, to giving 10 percent of our pretax income to God through the church. If we did that, the annual giving of our 96 pledging units would increase from $188,606 to $293,800. As we did that, not only would our congregation's needs be totally met, but also our church could build two Habitat for Humanity houses in our town every year. Just imagine what we could do if we gave God not what is left, but what is right. Easter invites us to greater hope-and generosity. The early church wasn't filled with kooks, just filled with faith.
Pentecost
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Youth Confirmation
Who: All students in grades 9-12 who are of Confirmation age and not yet confirmed or received. Who might you know? What: Catch the Spirit Confirmation Classes for Confirmation and the rite of Reception When: Classes begin Sunday, September 13, 2009 Why: It’s time! We look forward to ushering this dynamic group of youth further in their Christian journey….you can help! How: Please submit your name or names and phone numbers of those who you think meet this criteria by contacting the Parish Office at 856-845-0190 or office@christchurch.woodburynj.org Thank you! Reward: Ensuring tomorrow’s leaders today!
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July Birthdays
1st: Debra Culbertson Collin Lisk 2nd: Thomas Steffney, Jr. Justin Fredhoff 3rd: Mildred Hickey Dawson Shoemaker Robert Hoffman 4th: Cheryl Rheiner Patricia Weber Denise Brooks Cheryl Shoemaker 5th: Alexa Sierzega 6th: Michael Cassabian Laura Maggi Kathleen Young Anna Lasoski Allen Levy Natalie Mass 7th: Caren Cantera Brandon Fredhoff Matthew Smith Jonathan Smith Charles Hankel Kim Warren Christina Hodges Noah Wishnick Jessica Davison 8th: Susan Vlacich Eric Lasoski Valarie Bohrer Paul Allbright Ian Pass 9th: Karin McGarry 10th: Robert Jones Florence Anderson Rosalind Rheiner 11th: 12th: 14th: 15th: 16th: William Rebyak Michelle Robinson William Arseneau John Fisher Paul Mass Jr. Joseph DeVito Mary Shedaker Joel Ouellette Michael Bishop Regina Leonetti Robert Condo Semmet Letizia Tristen Letizia Adrian Brown Helen Harbold Connie Whitman Florence Taylor William Oswald Leslie MGeoch Louis Leonetti Philip Nichols Barbara Rickert Jeffery Bennett Olivia Grimming Carol Mahon Jeanne Webb David Norris Nancy Seddon Kathy Arseneau Joanne Scott Amy Smith Dorothy McCormick Henry Smith, II Taylor Hollenbaugh Nicholas DeVito Donna Scheffler Clarence Scheuren 24th: Danielle Pointkowski Dylan Wright Patrick Bowen 25th: Casey Scarlett 27th: Mark Novalsky Barbara Tighe 28th: Andrew Grenier 29th: Reco McLeod 30th: Eleanor Rogers 31st: Richard Marine Katherine Allbright Nicholas Donges
17th: 18th: 19th: 20th: 21st:
22nd:
23rd:
August Birthdays
1st: 2nd: Harley Sager Ellen Bellamente June Oswald Carol Hill Laura Grunza Ashley Fox Destiny Herman Alec Ferrell Robert Perry Rochelle Scott Robert Mahon Tyler Sartin Kathleen Dilg Bridget Arseneau Rachael Lisk Jacob Curran Elizabeth Fisher 7th: 8th: 9th: 10th: Taeko Nichols Donald Hairston Cornelius Benjamin Robert Fenton Wesley Tighe Kelsey Gross David Wishnick Erika Arseneau Bret Davison Elizabeth Fenton Greg Warren Ian Garvin Kevin Gill Heather Donges Christine Grimming Joseph Campbell Debra Press-Costello 15th: Colton Weber John Lachenmayer 17th: Sissie Chew 18th: Shawn Whitman Jean Lucas 19th: Shane Letizia 20th: Patricia Schoettle 21st: Robin Debreceni Shirley Deal 22nd: Ann Speranza 23rd: Betty Gattuso 24th: Joseph Chew Benjamin Cotton Nathaniel Cotton August Wolfert Dottie Landberg Andrew Waldner 25th: Kristen Bowen Shirley McHugh 26th: Fran Cassabian Wilbur Gattuso Carrie Horn Alexander Pollock 27th: Erin Gaughen Bernard Lasoski, Sr. Mark Grunza 28th: Patricia Lonergan Douglas Hill 29th: Jennifer Robinson Walter Wright 30th: Nicholas Young 31st: Caroline Cotton
3rd: 4th:
11th: 13th: 14th:
5th: 6th:
Pentecost
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Letter From Bishop Councell
23 June 2009 Dear Friends: This comes to catch you on the way out the door to your Summer- before life‘s pace in households and parishes changes for a while. It comes with a simple message and heartfelt intent. That heartfelt, simple message is: Thank You Reflecting upon recent deliberations with our diocesan Task Force on Restructure, let me tell you again what you already know — the economic realities of this year and next are difficult. Despite those realities, I write to encourage you and, Thank You The Vision Initiative of 2009 for our Diocese is Spiritual Renewal. A clear evidence of spiritual health and spiritual renewal is generosity. The way in which so many have been generous and faithful in their commitments to the ministry of our Diocese is more humbling than words adequately can convey. Personal and corporate sacrifices have been made for this generosity, and I know it. So does the Task Force on Restructure. We need this generosity now and will continue to need it in the future. A special thanks goes to those parishes that are paying their full Fair Share. I am grateful for such faithfulness that loves God‘s Church so much. Testimony to the goodness of God in the lives of our parishes is clear. That‘s why I‘m writing to say, Thank You Keep well. Rest as you each and all are able. Know that you are and remain close at heart. Right Onward! The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
Convention Quilt
The 226th Annual Diocesan Convention will take place on March 5-6, 2010 at the Crown Plaza in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. In 2010, the 225th Anniversary of the Diocese of New Jersey will be observed. All congregations have been invited to participate in a project to help commemorate this incredible milestone. At convention, there will be eight quilts hanging in the plenary session representing the eight convocations. Each quilt will be compiled of panels depicting the congregations within its convocation. Our own Linda Rosser has volunteered to design the panel which will represent Christ Church. Thank you Linda! We appreciate your taking on this project and look forward to seeing your work displayed during the Convention next March.
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Church of England Loses £1.3 Billion
SOURCE : DAILY MAIL Sunday, May 31 2009
Young clergy face life on the dole after Church of England loses £1.3billion
No jobs: The Church is turning away graduates of theological colleges The Church of England is turning away trainee clergy for the first time in history after £1.3billion of its investments were wiped out in the financial crisis. Up to a dozen graduates of theological colleges will miss out on their ordination next month and may end up on the dole as there are no parish jobs for them. The Church has previously given all graduates placements in parishes as curates, which they need before they can become ordained as priests. But now, to the anger of senior clerics, a spending squeeze means the number of junior clergy posts has been reduced and some trainees may quit the Church. The unprecedented situation comes after the Church Commissioners, who manage the Church‘s £5.7billion assets, announced it lost £1.3 billion last year as share and property holdings plunged. One college principal, the Rev. Richard Turnbull, of Oxford‘s Wycliffe Hall, called the jobs crisis a ‗tragedy and a travesty‘ and said he and colleagues would protest strongly to bishops. He said: ‗The Church of England agrees these individuals are called to the priesthood. It agrees that they have been fully and successfully trained. It says they are ready for ordination as priests. Then it just walks away.‘ Mr. Turnbull added the Church had already spent about £30,000 training each single student and at least £60,000 for married students on three-year residential courses. Those unplaced may be left unemployed while they wait to see if other jobs come up. He warned: ‗At the moment they are very distressed. They are confident in God but are losing confidence in the Church.‘ The Commissioners provide about a sixth of the Church‘s annual running costs of just over £1billion – mainly for clergy salaries and pensions and the upkeep of buildings. But they now warn they may not be able to maintain their levels of contribution for much longer. Meanwhile, the 44 dioceses must pay millions extra in clergy pension bills this year under new rules. And it is feared worshippers‘ donations – a large proportion of the Church‘s annual income – may not meet the shortfall. An official Church report in January into the effects of the downturn urged wealthy parishioners to put more into the collection plate. The report by Andrew Britton, chairman of the finance committee of the Archbishops‘ Council, said: ‗The current crisis will have a serious and lasting effect in parishes, dioceses and national institutions.‘ Mr. Turnbull said at least 11 graduates had not been placed this year, and several others were believed to have already taken non-clergy jobs. He added nearly all the unplaced students had trained at three evangelical colleges – his own, Oak Hill in London and Trinity in Bristol. And he suggested they had not been offered parish jobs because many bishops did not approve of their conservative, Bible-based views. A Church spokesman said most students had found jobs, and attempts to find places were continuing. But he added: ‗Dioceses must decide how many clergy they can afford.‘
FIFTH ANNUAL TRINITY CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY DAY 12 OCTOBER 2009 Mercer Oaks Golf Course, West Windsor, NJ
Become a member of the golf team representing Christ Church! Christ Church has sent a team to the golf tournament all four years! If you are interested, please contact our organizer Bob Scott at 856-423-6058.
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Upcoming Major Feasts
The Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene: Wednesday, July 22 Holy Eucharist with Rite of Healing—10:00 AM
Mary of Magdala near Capernaum was one of several women who followed Jesus and ministered to him in Galilee. The Gospel according to Luke records that Jesus ―went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out. . . ― (Luke 8:1-2). The Gospels tell us that Mary was healed by Jesus, followed him, and was one of those who stood near his cross at Calvary. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, pg. 296)
The Eve of the Feast of Saint James, Apostle: Friday, July 24 Evening Prayer—5:00 PM Holy Eucharist—5:30 PM
James‘ expressed willingness to share the cup of Christ was realized in his being the first of the Apostles to die for him. As the Acts of the Apostles records, ―About that time Herod the King laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the Church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword‖ (Acts 12:1-2). According to an old tradition, the body of James was taken to Compostela, Spain, which has been a shrine for pilgrims for centuries. Among the Spaniards, James is one of the most popular saints. In the Middle Ages, under the title of Santiago de Compostela, his aid was especially invoked in battle against the Moors. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, pg. 300)
The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Thursday, August 6 Holy Eucharist—6:00 PM
O
God, who on the holy mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thy well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, pg. 315)
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Upcoming Major Feasts
The Eve of the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Friday, August 14 Evening Prayer—5:00 PM Holy Eucharist—5:30 PM
The honor paid to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, goes back to the earliest days of the Church. Two Gospels tell of the manner of Christ‘s birth, and the familiar Christmas story testifies to the Church‘s conviction that he was born of a virgin. In Luke‘s Gospel, we catch a brief glimpse of Jesus‘ upbringing at Nazareth, when the child was wholly in the care of his mother and his foster-father, Joseph. During Jesus‘ ministry in Galilee, we learn that Mary was often with the other women who followed Jesus and ministered to his needs. At Calvary, she was among the little band of disciples who kept watch at the cross. After the resurrection, she was to be found with the Twelve in the upper room, watching and praying until the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. Mary was the person closest to Jesus in his most impressionable years, and the words of the Magnificat, as well as her humble acceptance of the divine will, bear more than an accidental resemblance to the Lord‘s Prayer and the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. Later devotion has claimed many things for Mary which cannot be proved from Holy Scripture. What we can believe is that one who stood in so intimate a relationship with the incarnate Son of God on earth must, of all the human race, have the place of highest honor in the eternal life of God. A paraphrase of an ancient Greek hymn expresses this belief in very familiar words: ―O higher than the cherubim, more glorious than the seraphim, lead their praises, alleluia.‖
O
God, who hast taken to thyself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of thy incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of thine eternal kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, pg. 228-229)
The Feast of Saint Bartholomew: Monday, August 24 Evening Prayer—5:00 PM Holy Eucharist—5:30 PM
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst give to thine apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word: Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church to love what he believed and to preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts, pg. 335)
O
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Upcoming Events
Family Movie Night
―The Prince of Egypt‖
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 7:30 PM Christ Church Rectory Yard at Delaware and Wood Sts., Woodbury, NJ 08096 Come out and enjoy a wonderful family movie together. Bring your own lawn chair. Popcorn & juice will be served!!
The Prince of Egypt is an extraordinary tale of two brothers named Moses and Ramses, one born of royal blood and one an orphan with a secret past. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of freespirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on earth, and the other the chosen leader of his people! Their final confrontation will forever change their lives and the world.
**Please bring a canned good and let‘s help out the Greater Woodbury Cooperative Ministries**
(In the case of inclement weather, we will move to the assembly room of the Parish House)
September Fest and Stewardship Kick-off Sunday, September 27 following the 10:00 AM Mass
Our 2nd Annual September Fest will again be in the form of a Barbecue and basket auction. Joe and Connie DeVito have agreed to chair this event. The Barbecue will be set up on New Street (weather permitting) with the Brotherhood of St. Andrew in charge. Auction baskets provided by each of the ministries of Christ Church will be showcased in the Jubilee Garden for those attending both the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Masses. Coffee and Danish will be served after the 8:00 Mass and we encourage those attending that Mass to return for September Fest! Five auction tickets for the baskets will be given to all of those who return their pledge cards (which will be mailed in early September) and additional tickets will be available for purchase. If you have any questions about this year‘s Stewardship Campaign, please call me or email me. Jeanne Webb, Chair 856-848-2881 or jeannefwebb@aol.com
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Photo Gallery—Confirmation Day
Bishop George Councell was with us on Sunday, May 24 to administer the sacrament of Confirmation. In all there were five youth confirmations, eight adult confirmations, one adult reception, and one adult reaffirmation. Following the Mass Bishop Councell participated in an informal Adult Forum with the parishioners of Christ Church. He was presented with a hand-made banner by the Sunday School children. Congratulations to all of our confirmands, received and reaffirmed!
Photos left and directly below courtesy of Bethany Campbell
Left, Sunday school students in 2003. Right, some of those same students from this year‘s Confirmation class: James Beck, Alicia Yeiter, Christopher Smith, Lindsay Kaffl and Justin Roback.
Photos above courtesy of Jennifer Smith
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Photo Gallery
Left: Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism we welcomed eight children into the Body of Christ on May 31st, The Feast of Pentecost, during the 10:00 AM Mass. Pictured from left to right are godparents Sandra Weist and Sean Scarlett, baby Morgan Juno Weist, parents Karen Scarlett and James Weist, and Fr. Burgess in back row.
Photo provided by Karen Scarlett
Below left and right: On June 7 during the 10:00 AM Mass, the Sunday School children and teachers were recognized for their participation and service during the school year.
Photos courtesy of Jane Gosdis
Play attendees enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the rectory before departing for the Sketch Club to see The Odd Couple on June 5. Above left: Bob and Betty Buchanan and Ann Lasoski. Above right: Jane Gosdis, Jennifer Smith, Roe Scott, Michelle Coffman, and Denise Burgess.
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Photo Gallery—First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the children who received their First Holy Communion on June 14, 2009! Grace Arseneau, Jordan Braun, Rachel Campbell, Rebecca Fenton, Brianna Franklin, Christian Schneider, and Victoria Wood.
Photos and collage courtesy of Bethany Campbell
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Photo Gallery
Dear Christ Church Family, I'm sitting out front of my house in a very comfortable chair with my laptop. I just left the church after dropping off the remnants of our annual Christ Church picnic—a day of jump rope, pie eating, egg tossing, good food, and fellowship. Once again it seemed that a good time was had by all who attended. I can't tell you how many people came up to us and said "good job guys, thanks". It really was a cumulative effort. However... For the last few weeks I have been in on the communications back and forth relative to the preparations for this event. I think it's important that much of the credit be given to our Director T.J. Scott for all the work he put in behind the scenes preparing us to get the job done on Sunday. Make no mistake about it—it is a big job! T.J. had to leave the picnic early, so he left us at the park to get the credit for a lot of his hard work. We all owe T.J. a big Thank You. and well done! Thank You
Sean Garvin
Top: Gloria Caldwell with her nephew, Ramon
Photo courtesy of Adrian Rogerson
Above: Participants in the Egg Toss Game! Left: Brotherhood members start the food going; Mike Sanchez, Dennis Sims, Sean Garvin, Rich Peirce, Geoff and Elizabeth Pass, and Ed Ferrell at the grill!
Photos courtesy of Joe Chew
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Photo Gallery
Left: Richard and Gloria Kurtz with their daughter Laura Maggi, son-in-law, Nicholas and grandson, Nicholas. Right: The children take time to smile for the camera while having fun on the playground!
Photos courtesy of Jane Gosdis
On May 31, 2009 a group from Christ Church attended the season‘s final performance of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra of which Christopher Smith is a member. The performance took place within the magnificent acoustics and surroundings of the Kimmel Center in center city Philadelphia.
Photo provided by Jennifer Smith
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Christ Church in Woodbury
62 Delaware Street Woodbury, NJ 08096 Phone: 856-845-0190 office@christchurch.woodburynj.org www.christchurch.woodburynj.org
Executive Committee
Mr. Thomas Seddon ..... Senior Warden Mr. Sherman Yeiter ...... Junior Warden Ms. Cynthia Babnew ..... Clerk Mr. Mark Novalsky ........ Treasurer
Parish Musicians
Mr. Richard W. Kurtz Organist and Choirmaster Mr. George T. Mitchell, Jr. Assistant Organist
Parish Clergy
The Very Reverend Father Brian K. Burgess, SSC Rector The Reverend Father Robert E. Sullivan In Residence The Reverend Dr. John E. Bird Assisting The Reverend Canon William V. Rauscher Assisting
Parish Staff Parish Vestry
Mr. Matthew Baldwin ..... Hospitality Mr. Fred Daugherty ....... Buildings/Grounds Mrs. Allene Ferrell ........ Outreach Mrs. Jane Gosdis .......... Programs/Activities Mr. Jerry Lonabaugh ..... Communications Mrs. Marilynn McGeoch .. Mission Mrs. Jeanne Webb ........ Stewardship Miss Emily Withstandley .. Evangelism Mrs. Susan Driscoll Parish Secretary Mrs. Kate Cargill Communications Coordinator Mrs. Mariana Torres Parish Sexton Ms. Jennifer Martinez Nursery Sitter Miss Emily Withstandley Sunday School Superintendent
From the Parish Register Baptisms: We welcome into the Body of Christ... during the Feast of Pentecost on May 31st
Mika Gianni Graniela Camryn May Levy Natalie Ann Mass Paul Aldebol Mass, Jr. Sage Rylynn Rickert Taylor Dawson Sierzega Kieran Lawrence Morton Stewart Morgan Juno Weist
Confirmations-Adult Inquirer‘s Class: by Bishop George E. Councell on May 24th
Tara Stephanie Mass Harold Edwin McHale, Jr. Kevin Martin Schiffer Brandy Lee Sims Dennis Hugh Sims, Jr. Sagamore Dorsey Stewart Robin Diane Wilson Jackson David Edward Wishnick
Transferred In: We welcome to our Parish Family… from St. Mary’s Parish in Haddon Heights
Richard R. Hanna 6-18-09 Susan R. Hanna 6-18-09 Richard S. Hanna 6-18-09
Confirmations-Youth Confirmation Class: by Bishop George E. Councell on May 24th
James Charles Beck Lindsay Nicole Kaffl Justin David Roback Christopher Alexander Smith Alicia Marie Yeiter
Received into the Episcopal Church: by Bishop George E. Councell on May 24
Margaret Elizabeth Nerz
th
Burials: Rest eternal, grant unto him, O Lord…
Leonard V. Robson, 06-04-09