November 2013
CHRIST CHURCH CHRONICLE
Christ Church Vision Statement FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, CREATE A NEW LEGACY FOR CHRIST CHURCH BY ENLARGING OUR FAMILY CIRCLE. “The problem with the world is that we draw our family circle too small" (Mother Teresa)
YÜÉÅ à{x exvàÉÜ This is an important time in the life of the Church. The election of a new Bishop does not happen often. Bishop George has been our Diocesan Bishop for 10 years. Now Bishop-elect Chip Stokes will be consecrated Bishop of New Jersey on Saturday November 2nd. This is after a very long process involving all the parishes and people of the diocese. All of us had a chance to fill out a questionnaire identifying what we were looking for in a bishop. All of us had a chance to meet all the candidates to ask questions. Only our clergy and elected deputies could vote but it is a very democratic process. A candidate must receive a majority of votes in both the lay and clerical orders. That is hard to do when there are 9 candidates on the ballot. When Chip Stokes was elected, there was a great roar of excitement from the electing convention. So now on November 2nd, there will be a great party at the Cathedral in Trenton as he is consecrated Bishop. All are invited to attend although you need to register that you are coming. Bishop-elect Stokes is envisioning the Cathedral as in Medieval times; a gathering and celebration place; food representing many ethnic groups of the diocese; entertainment; people everywhere having fun. Come if you can. Bishop George officially retires effective November 2nd. He has said he’d like to take a year off and do some traveling. He’s planning a trip to Patagonia and Antarctica; and a cross country road trip (with Parkinson’s Disease no less!). On his return, he will be Chaplain-in-Residence at the Doane School in Burlington. It is wonderful he and Ruth will be staying in the diocese. He will be missed, but down the road he may be available to assist Bishop-elect Chip with visitations and the like. It is an exciting transition time in our diocese. Bishop-elect Chip and his wife Susan will be worshipping with us on Sunday October 27th at the 10:15 service. Join us, if you can, to meet them before they dash to the Sandy Commemorative Event at Ocean County College. And please pray for our Bishop and Bishop-elect. They count on our prayers. God bless our diocese! Blessings and love, ]ÉtÇ> 3
Belonging Class Series Continues Come to any of the remaining classes that you can. The BELONGING Class series features conversation about our particular Anglican/Episcopalian understanding of modern faith, specifics about the worship, history and ministry of Christ Church, and what it means to be a member of Christ Church. The Series starts with dinner at 6:30 and concludes at 9:30 each Monday evening from September 30th through December 9th. The Series is free, but a $5 donation toward the meal is suggested. If you can’t attend every evening, no worries. Attend the ones you can and catch up in the next BELONGING series. Please register through the Church Office or see the sign-up sheet at the Church.
Is Your Pledge for 2013 in Yet? We hope you received the letter from the Vestry and Clergy about how Christ Church is making a difference in our community just in this past year. (If you didn’t receive it, please contact the church office and we’ll get it to you). Your financial commitment to the Church is needed both for your own spiritual development and for the ability of the Church to respond to what God would have us do. Please return your card to the office as soon as you can. And thank you for your faithfulness!
Please Remember Christ Church in your Will Your planning in advance now will make a difference for generations to come. Thank you.
Thanksgiving Service Information Thanksgiving Town-Wide Ecumenical Service will be held on SUNDAY November 24th at 6:00 PM at Presbyterian Church of Toms River on Hooper Avenue. Note: This is a change from Thanksgiving Eve!! Thanksgiving Day: We offer our thanks to God for all we receive. Holy Eucharist with music at 9:00 AM Thursday November 28th.
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6th Annual Patronal Feast Day, the Feast of Christ the King, is celebrated at all services the weekend of November 2324th. We affirm that Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives and that this is indeed Christ’s church.
Alpha Retreat Refresh your spiritual life with an infusion of the Holy Spirit. If you’ve taken the Alpha Course in the past (or currently), you can come on the retreat. November 8-10th in Mendham, NJ. Carpools are being set up. Notify Patti Russo or the church office. Alpha Celebration Supper - Monday December 9th Come and see what the Alpha Course is all about. This is a sample evening starting with dinner at 6:30pm. Notify Patti Russo or the church office.
A Busy but Joyful Day on Sunday October 27th – If you are able, please attend the 10:15 service on 10/27th. Our Bishop-elect Chip Stokes and his wife Susan will be with us (in the pew). Plus it is “Noisy Sunday” so bring your coins. Plus the Presbyterian Church Confirmation class will be with us so let’s welcome them joyfully. And then that afternoon is the Sandy Commemorative Event where Bishop-elect Stokes will be speaking at Ocean County College at 2pm. Like I said, busy but joyful!
Consecration of New Bishop Bishop-elect Chip Stokes will be consecrated Bishop of New Jersey on Saturday November 2nd at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. At the time of this writing, the hour of the service had not yet been set. Stay tuned. Carpools can be arranged for those who are interested in attending. Please contact the Office and let us know your interest in attending.
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Diocesan Day on Racial Justice Saturday November 16th at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton from 9am – 3pm. Originally this was scheduled for Christ Church but the organizers changed the location a couple times and it is now scheduled to be held in Trenton. Please plan to attend. See page 17 for more details.
All Saints Day is Friday November 1st. This is a major feast day of the Church calendar. We will celebrate the Holy Eucharist on this day at 10:00 AM. We will remember by name all those from this Parish who have died since last All Saints Day. If you have other names you would like us to remember on this day, please give them to the Church Office no later than October 31st. We thank God for the examples they set for us and for the love that ties us to them eternally.
For all the Saints who from their labors rest….. Since last All Saints Day, November 1, 2012, the following members of Christ Church have joined the Church triumphant: George Bingmann, Braydon Bruckner, Edith Conroy, May Cornine, Ethel Halsey, Linda Rowe, Pasquale Pietronico, Virginia Pettit, Carl Tucker, James Christie, John Tocko, Richard Seidel, Robert & Vera Heuer, Suzanne Lutz, Lorene Trause, Fred Garriques, Maryanna Ortel, Marilyn Smith, Carrie Dauksis, Mary Grippe, Ellen Ross, James Bonomo, Warren Snell
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You are prayerfully invited to rejoice in the presence of CHRIST THE KING Saturday, the 23rd of November, 2013 at 5 p.m. Evening Prayer, Rite I, The Great Litany and Holy Eucharist, Rite II Sunday, the 24th of November, 2013 at 8 - Morning Prayer, Rite I, The Great Litany, and Holy Eucharist, Rite I at 10:15 - Solemn High Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Please respond by your presence
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NOTES FROM THE 9
TEE WITH POPPPA T + November 2013 th
Are You a Good Christ Church Evangelist? Telling the Good News in a New Age Don’t let me scare you off by asking you if you are an ‘evangelist’! We’ve got some Great News to tell the world, and we Episcopalians do it with beauty, love and celebration (like few others). Would you say that you are a good “Evangelist?” Think about it: 1. I tell others about Christ Church, and I invite them to join us for worship. 2. I welcome newcomers. 3. I love the stories about Jesus and love sharing them. 4. I know that God loves me and everybody, and I want the world to know it. 5. I celebrate when family and friends join me at Christ Church. 6. I leave Church uplifted and hopeful. 7. I am excited about new people in the pews. 8. I pray for the growth and prosperity of our Community. 9. I cherish our traditions as I celebrate new times, peoples and cultures – ‘new’ traditions. 10. I see Christ in the face of others, and I can do no less than witness His Love. 8
I am not sure that I can name even one non-evangelist here at Christ Church. You – all of you – are the message and messengers of the Good News. It is not a mistake that we have welcomed seventeen new members this year already with likely that many more by year’s end. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up! PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS & LOVE ON! Poppa T
DEACON’S DEN, by Deacon Emily C. Holman Our Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey has now said goodbye to Bishop George Councell and welcomed Bishop Chip Stokes. On October 13 diocesan clergy and laity celebrated Bishop George’s time with us; he brought healing to our then broken diocese and the message that we are all God’s beloved, no matter what we have done. We will miss him, but he will still be living in New Jersey, helping out after about a year off. Being an adventurous traveler like me, he has plans to visit Antarctica and Patagonia, and drive across the USA to visit family members he hasn’t seen in a long time. He will serve as Chaplain at the Doane Academy in Burlington. Bishop Chip Stokes, consecrated in a glorious service with Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori on November 2, has been in New Jersey since July, working alongside Bishop Councell, getting to know our diocese. He has visited churches, came to the glorious dinner All Saints, Princeton had for us, and the Sandy memorial program. In Convocation meetings around our diocese, Bishop Chip asked about our hopes and fears, and presented his Ten Guiding (Continued on page 10)
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(Continued from page 9)
Principles for his ministry with us. They are: ◊
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The mission of the Church is the primary mission of the Diocese: “To restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” The mission of the Church is carried out through commitment and faithful adherence, both corporately and individually, to the Baptismal Covenant. The life of the Christian parish/mission and individual is shaped by a balanced rhythm of prayer/worship, study, service, and fellowship. The ministry of every parish must have a balance internal/ external mission focus. Vibrant Christian Faith results from a vital partnership between the institutional church (denomination, diocese, parish/mission) and the home, no matter what that home configuration is. Growth matters and numbers matter. The standard for all ministries in the Diocese of New Jersey is one of excellence. To forward the Gospel in today’s world, technology is to be embraced. To be a Christian is to be a member of the body of Christ and part of a purposeful community. You cannot be a church of one. In today’s culture there is a deep hunger for God and a deep hunger for genuine, purposeful community. The ministry is to meet at this crossroad, address and help satisfy both hungers.
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All bishops have a challenging job description, responsible to the Standing Committee of their diocese. Bishop Chip is excited about being here and working with us. He and his wife will live in Trenton.
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UPDATE The “Ssidr” Program of Our Community Center (CECCC) (Spiritual Support in Disaster Recovery program of Christ Episcopal Church Community Center) is a coalition of three church communities (St Mary’s Point Pleasant Beach, Christ Church Toms River and St Thomas Red Bank) responding to disaster needs of our communities in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Ssidr has been blessed with funding from The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, from The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County, and from our many Sandy Partner Churches.
Spiritual Healing Leading to Transformation Ssidr’s mission statement is “To Promote Spiritual and Emotional Healing to Individuals, Families and Communities Affected by Disaster.” Our efforts resulted in Spiritual Transformation for affected families, congregations and communities. Ssidr provided stability of basic needs for Sandy-affected survivors while offering a listening ear, prayer and spiritual guidance. Basic needs were either met directly through our program or survivors were referred to partner agencies.
Highlights of Results (1st five months of operation through 09-15-13) • • • •
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Over 5,000 spiritual support interactions with Sandy s survivors by Ssidr Assisted 950 managers, chaplains, pastors, mental health counselors and volunteers Sponsored 44 youth and children in summer youth programs Held end of summer party for 100 children (Sandy survivors). Distributed backpacks filled with school supplies and a WalMart gift card to each Two youth interns and four volunteers have been certified in Disaster Response Monetary Assistance to qualified Sandy Survivors totaled approximately $42,800
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This I believe……
Striving Towards Tithing
To tithe is a troublesome term for most of us. It sounds like a lot. It sounds like too much. It sounds like an outdated concept. Yet it remains the standard for giving to the church for its programs and ministries. When I was a child, we children gathered for our own worship service before our Sunday School classes. An offering was taken up. Those who got allowances dropped in their coins. Those of us who did not get allowances had been sure to get a penny or nickel from a parent before church. (Remember, this was in the 40’s!) And I still remember the song we sang as the plate passed: “Hear the pennies dropping, hear them one by one. …” I forget the rest – do you know it? It assured me that even my little bit mattered. That’s still true today. The story of the widow and her mite reminds us over and over that the poor often give more freely than the rich. But I digress. Tithing. Most of you know that my husband is a retired Episcopal priest. One year, at the time of the pledge campaign, he got the idea to suggest families take their taxable income from the previous year and calculate 10%. Then compare that figure to what they had pledged the previous year. The idea was that if their pledge was less than 10%, they consider striving to reach that goal over a period of years. There was one family, a professional family, who prided themselves in giving generously to the church. They found that they were giving – wait for it! – 2%!!! Ah … their pledge went up considerably that year! 12
John and I already knew we were below the 10% threshold, so we made the effort each year to get a little closer to the full tithe. I can’t say, as others have testified in other places, that we were suddenly finding more money in our account. But I can say that it has never caused us to feel we needed some of that pledge money back. I’m sure some of you reading this are now asking, “Just what figure are we to take 10% of?” In the story above, it was the taxable income. There are numerous criteria for the base of the tithe. Find the one that makes sense to you. Calculate your ten percent. Compare it to your pledge last year. How does it compare? The important point is – strive to get closer to a tithe each year.
Mary Lou Seed , Chaplin
Annual Christmas Fair The Christmas Fair will be Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 9:30 to 4 p.m. We are looking for volunteers, jewelry, baskets all sizes, and whatever donations you can give. Raffle books will be on sale starting the weekend of September 7th and 8th after each mass. Any questions contact, Judy Beck, 732477-8860, Joanne Meehan, 732-240-7543 and Marion Shabinaw, 732-341-0781. 13
IMPORTANT CHRIST CHURCH INFORMATION
Have you been Baptized? Most of us were baptized as children, but some of us were not. If you are a youth or adult who desires Baptism, please contact the Church Office for details. Parents, if you desire Baptism for your infant or young child, please also call the Church Office. Do you desire to be Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church? For more information, contact Nicole in the Church Office at 732-349-5506 or
[email protected]. Confirmation and Reception will be held at Christ Church on Sunday May 4, 2014. Rushed to the ER? Please arrange in advance with a significant person in your life --- Should you ever be taken to the hospital, they need to contact Christ Church as soon as possible. There is no other way for us to know you are in the hospital. Home Communion: If you are a shut in and cannot get to church, please call the church office so that Holy Communion can be brought to you. Thank you to all the Office Volunteers who have helped out during the month of September: Amy Rogers, Betty Halleran, Cynda Judy, Barbara Powell, Nancy Ewart, Barbara Williams, Lois Dittenhofer, Marie Callahan, Catherine Harle, Ellen Hansen, Carol Illick, Barbara Connors. We couldn’t do it without you! Daylight Saving Time is Saturday night November 2nd. Set your clocks back before you go to bed or you’ll arrive too early to church. But if you do arrive early that day, please use the time to offer thanks to God for the extra time given you that day to worship God.
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FINANCIAL UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
Christ Church would like to thank everyone who has pledged for 2013. However, comparing the total pledged amount of $307,688.20 to our budget figure of $360,000, we fall short for the year by about $52,000. This is after taking into consideration the receipt of a substantial bequest. Please remember that the generous Staples bequest monies are all accounted for. A portion is designated for building repairs. The rest is in a diocesan investment trust, giving us monthly income towards a part time priest. If everyone did a scriptural tithe or was working toward tithing (10% or a portion of 10%) this gap would be closed. A complete Financial Statement is available on the Christ Church bulletin board. If you have any questions, please see any member of the Finance Committee. Thank you for all of the support you continue to give to Christ Church.
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Can You Solve This Month’s Cryptogram?
October’s puzzle quoted the introduction to the Book of Psalms in the Oxford Study Edition of the NEB In many passages of the Psalms the Hebrew poets sang of a reality which is only on the horizon of our comprehension.
We encounter many translations of the Lord’s question
QYC WD CDS
JDDG EX
DO
UB
PEQWSPX
PNZIG
C D S R L R D X Y Z R ’P
ZCZ QUXY BZFZR E XYZ ARIEX NJEBG
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XYZ
XYDSAYX ODR UB
CDSR
DQB?
Racial Justice in the Health Care System You are invited to attend a conference in mid-November to learn about race-based inequities in our Health Care system. At this conference, we will learn about racial and ethnic disparities in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in U.S. health care. We will also learn about how to eliminate them through innovative community organizing projects. The conference will be lead by Diana Dunn, a health care specialist from New Orleans and is sponsored by the Anti-Racism Commission of the Diocese of NJ. When: Saturday, November 16, 2013 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (lunch provided) Location: Trinity Cathedral, 801 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at event Register: online at http://tinyurl.com/parpruo or email
[email protected]. Or fax registration form to 609 394-9546, mail form, or phone Sarah Paige, 609 3945281, ext. 10 Questions? Contact Deacon Ted,
[email protected], 732-609-1822
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NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY to members with birthdays this month! Nov 1st - Christopher Reese Nov 1st - James Rego Nov 2nd - Nicole Nicosia Nov 2nd – Gregg Sycle Nov 3rd – Neil Kartikis Nov 3rd - Collen Pagano Nov 6th – Sarah Everitt Nov 6th - Christine McKinnon Nov. 9th – Mark D’Alessio Nov 12th – Jeffrey Macallister Nov 13th – Art Delaney Nov 13th - Richard Koch Nov 14th - Devyn Stilton Nov 16th – Joe Stramat Nov 17th – Susan Gerlich Nov. 17th – Jessica Krischik Nov 17th – Alicia Nemeth Nov 17th – Barbara Williams Nov 18th – Charles Autenrieth Nov 18th - Kyle Banner Nov 18th - Suzanne Thomas
Nov. 18th – Vera Topinka Nov 19th – Beatrice Nitche Nov 19th – Tara Rosenberg Nov 19th – Vincent Tortorello Nov 20th – Lorraine Ciano Nov 20th – Carol Ilick Nov 21st - Suzanne Maley Nov 22nd – Anna Jackson Nov 23rd – Staci Sprague Nov 25th - Jayden Lewis Nov 25th – Andrew Russo Nov 25th – Jeffrey Sommer, Sr. Nov. 26th – Jeffery Sommer, Jr. Nov 26th – Robert Belvin Nov 26th - Pamela Greco Nov 26th – Rebecca Kunz Nov 26th – Warren Snell Nov 27th - Barbara Avallon Nov 27th – Susan Bethel Nov 28th - Morgan Dunn
Birthday Prayer O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on your servants as they begin another year. Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen their trust in your goodness all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Happy Anniversary and best wishes to these couples for many blessed year together!
Nov 1st - Ryan and Colleen Jowett – Happy 5th Anniversary (2008) Nov 7th - George and Anita Lackey – Happy 48th Anniversary (1965) Nov 14th – Al and Nicole Strada – Happy 4th Anniversary (2009)
Anniversary Prayer O Gracious and Ever-living God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church. Send your blessings upon these people as they celebrate their anniversary. Grant them grace to love, honor and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their lives together may be a witness to your love and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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United Thank Offering Christ Church, Toms River had much to be thankful for this autumn. Our collection this last UTO came to $1,408.09. We thank everyone for your generous donations. Our dollars will join other contributions form throughout the Episcopal church to share with those in need; sharing with this less fortunate is a Blessing in itself. Special thanks to the dedicated and special friends for helping with the mailing and collecting of the UTO envelopes. UTO Chairman, Ellen S. Hansen
Rummage Sale Thank you! To all who donated and helped in any capacity to make the Fall Rummage Sale a great success! A profit of $3,121.87 was raised and will be used to support the various projects and ministries of Christ Church
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Thank You to Our Christ Church Family We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all parishioners for the support and kindness extended to us during the illness of our mother, Mary Grippe, and at her death. We were deeply touched by the prayers, cards, e-mail messages, calls, visits, donations, and your presence at the visitation and memorial service. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts in making our grief easier to bear.. God's blessings to all of you, Greg and Nancy Borsuk Michael and Caryn Grippe
To Our Veteran’s Thank You to all who have served and to those who are still serving. God Bless each and every one of you.
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CHRIST CHURCH CALENDAR OCTOBER 27th – Noisy Collection 27th – “One Year After Sandy” at OCC Theater NOVEMBER 1st – All Saints’ Day Service – 6:15am & 10am, Chapel 3rd – CAFÉ – 3pm, Disciples Hall 5th – Bereavement Support Group – 7pm, Classroom #3 8th thru 10th – Alpha Retreat 11th – Finance Committee Meeting – 4pm, Workroom 12th – Evangelism Committee Meeting – 5pm, Workroom 19th – Bereavement Support Group – 7pm, Classroom #3 20TH – WCC Meeting – 11am, Library 20th – Mystery Book Club – 12pm, Chapel 20th – Vestry Meeting – 6pm, Library 21st – Chronicle Folding – 9am, Disciples Hall 21st – Book Club – 7pm, Library 24th – Christ the King 24th – Thanksgiving Tree Deadline 24th thru 1st – IHN Guests here 28th – Happy Thanksgiving – Church Office Closed 29th – Church Office Closed DECEMBER 1st – Advent / Year A begins 1st – CAFÉ – 3pm, Disciples Hall 7th – WCC Christmas Fair 8th – Christmas Fair Spin Off
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Directory Changes ADD: Hamilton, Ashley 55 Terrace Ave. Apt. 10B Toms River, NJ 08753 862-377-8453
[email protected] Warner, Sarah 19 Lismore Drive Toms River, NJ 08757 917-533-5013
[email protected]
Address Change: DeBree, Grace c/o Holiday Care Center Rm #12W 4 Plaza Dr Toms River, NJ 08757 Dziardziel, Heide 8 Liberta Drive Toms River, NJ 08757
Email Change: Vogel, Virginia (Ginny)
[email protected]
Remove: Snell, Warren – died
If you have a change of address, phone number and/or email, please contact the church office so we may update the directory.
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Christ Episcopal Church 415 Washington Street Toms River, NJ 08753-6742
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TO
_______________________________ The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell, Bishop of Diocese of New Jersey The Rev. Canon William (Chip) H. Stokes, Bishop-elect of New Jersey (to be consecrated on November 2, 2013) The Rev. Joan M. Pettit Mason, Rector The Rev. Timothy S. Holder, Priest Associate The Rev. John G. Steed Parish Chaplain Mary Lou Steed, Ph.D., Parish Chaplain The Rev. Walter F. Hartt, Rector Emeritus The Rev. Emily Holman, The Rev. Ted Foley, Deacons The Rev. Lewis McCrum (Ret.) Deacon Fernando Linhares, Seminarian Intern Charlie Nakash, Missionary to Dominican Republic Polly Moore, Music Director Claire Koerner, Bell Choir Director Richard Start, Organist Dick Whicker, Cantor Jane Rendueles, Financial Assistant Nicole Strada, Parish Administrator John Cipolletti, Sexton Denise Szczerba, Christian Education Director Joanne Gwin, Chronicle Editor
Office phone (732) 349-5506 Office fax (732) 349-5634 E-mail:
[email protected] www.christchurchtomsriver.org
