FOR NEWCOMERS
For Newcomers
Worship
Christ Church worships each Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. in the summer). Our 8:00 service is a quiet Rite I Eucharist in traditional language with a few hymns. The 10:30 service is a festive Rite II Eucharist in contemporary language with one or more of the Parish’s choirs, and often with instrumentalists as well.
The Prayer Ministry is a confidential, personal way to pray for your particular needs and recognize God’s presence in your life. Members of the Prayer Ministry will be waiting to pray with you in the Clarke Chapel the first and third Sunday of each month immediately following Communion and until the end of the service. If you have any questions or would like further information about the Prayer Ministry, you can contact Rev. Jerry Skillicorn or Gerri Callahan, as well as any other member of the Prayer Ministry.
Nursery care for infants and toddlers is provided every Sunday during the 10:30a.m. Eucharist.
We offer a brief, lunchtime Eucharist at 12:00 each Wednesday via Zoom for all who wish to join.
Christ Church is a Welcoming Congregation of the Diocese of New Jersey’s Oasis Ministry, and as such welcomes all, regardless of sexual orientation. The Parish House and Church are both handicapped-accessible.
Worship during the academic year is also augmented periodically with special services, such as a popular Jazz Vespers. Please check our calendars and announcements for these special services.
Special services for Christmas, Easter, and other festivals of the Church are offered as needed, and include music offered by one or more of our six choirs, as well as special liturgical actions such as foot washing on Maundy Thursday or walking the Stations of the Cross during Holy Week.
More information about Worship
Christian Education
Church School Classes, pre-K through 12th grade, meet during the academic year at 9:30 am. Our youngest children will be experiencing their faith stories through the Godly Play program. Youth in grades 6-9 engage their lives and faith in the Journey to Adulthood program. Bible study is offered for senior high.
Adult Formation classes are offered on Sundays at 9:30 am.
WomenSpirit meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm for dinner, prayer, education, discussion, and mutual support.
The Men’s Ministry (Tuesdayers) meets on Tuesday at 7:00 pm via Zoom to discuss books on a variety of religious topics.
Music Programs
The Chamber Choir is composed of about 20 choristers. Anyone who can read music is cordially invited to join. The Choir sings at the 10:30 am Sunday Eucharist, major Church festivals, and special concerts. Choir rehearsals are Thursdays from 8:00 to 10:00 pm during the academic year.
Canticum Novum is an all-volunteer choir. All adults are welcome—come with a desire for good singing and great fellowship. The Choir sings on the second Sunday of the month at the 10:30 am Sunday service during the academic year, major Church festivals and occasional Evensongs. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.
Christ Church offers concerts as well as Organ Recitals and other musical performances periodically throughout the academic year. Please visit our website often for dates and times.
More information about Music
Opportunities for Service
Opportunities to engage in the life of the parish abound, since every aspect of parish life is made possible by members of the parish.
Worship provides opportunities for Acolytes, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Intercessors, and Chalice Bearers. The Marion B. DeVoe Altar Guild prepares linens, hangings, and set-up for all services.
Management of the parish is given to committees, task forces, and special groups who handle the finances, buildings and grounds, communications, technology, outreach, education, and youth activities. Vestry members provide leadership for these groups.
Parish Office also provides opportunities for service for those who wish to help on an occasional basis. Volunteer duties include staffing the reception desk, answering phones, greeting walk-ins, and preparing service leaflets and mailings.
Outreach
The Christ Church Food Pantry provides about 700 bags of emergency groceries each month to the hungry. The Food Pantry is funded through a partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, as well as by donations from the parish. Food is distributed seven times each month. Parish and community volunteers are always needed, as well as monetary or food donations. Click here to go to the Food Pantry’s page.
Elijah’s Promise is a soup kitchen founded originally by Christ Church working with Emanuel Lutheran and St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Churches, and now operating independently. Members of the parish volunteer in the project monthly on the third Saturday. Click here for more information on Elijah’s Promise.
Interfaith Homeless Shelter is hosted by members of the parish two weeks each year in the parish Auditorium, providing a safe place to sleep for homeless men.
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meets weekday mornings, Thursday and Sunday evenings; NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meets on Monday (men only) and Tuesday evenings; and Lyme Disease Support meets twice monthly in Christ Church facilities.
The Vestry
Click HERE to access the nomination form for 2021 Vestry and Leadership positions.
Parishioners and clergy share leadership at all levels in the Episcopal Church. The Vestry is the governing board of the parish. It is made up of the Rector, who presides; two Wardens, one appointed by the Rector and the other elected by the people; and twelve Vestrymembers who are elected by the parish at large. The Vestry is the legal representative of the parish in all matters concerning program and property of the parish, including relations between parish and clergy. Click here to go to the Vestry page.
Parish Office & Staff
Click here to go to the Staff page.
Office Hours
The Parish Office is open:
Closed Monday
Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM to 2:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM to 2:30 PM via email
Friday 9 AM to 12:30 PM
