| 2007
CARE CLOSET OCTOBER DISTRIBUTION DAY OCT. 29th
The Care Closet, an outreach program of Christ Episcopal Church, has announced its October distribution day for Monday, October 29, beginning at 3:00 P.M. until all of the supplies are exhausted.
The Care Closet, which opened in 1997, will observe the tenth anniversary of its opening at its distribution day on October 29.
The Care Closet distributes packages of paper products, cleaning products and personal hygiene items to persons with Families First cards. The parish is always receiving gifts of individually wrapper paper towels, facial tissue and toilet tissue. Additionally volunteers are always welcome both for the preparation of the bags and on distribution day. For more information please phone the parish.
FAIR AND FLEA MARKET OCT. 27TH
Christ Church has announced its final Fair and Flea Market for the year for Saturday, October 20. In the event of rain on the 20th the Fair and Flea Market will be held the following Saturday, October 27. The Flea Market runs from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Individuals and groups wishing to become vendors for the Flea Market are asked to phone the parish at 973-751-0616. Spaces are 10’ square and are $25 each.
The parish is also receiving gifts for its own Flea Market tables. Persons wishing to make donations are asked to call the church at 973-751-0616 or to leave them at the church, located at 393 Washington Avenue
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CURRENT CHURCH BUILDING OCT. 14TH
Christ Church will observe the golden jubilee, the 50th anniversary of the Dedication of the Church and the Laying of the Cornerstone with a Festival Solemn Mass on Sunday, October 14 at 4:00 P.M. The Rev’d Mark Beckwith, Tenth Bishop of Newark, will preside and preach. A gala reception will follow the afternoon service in the Undercroft.
The present church is at least the seventh building in which the parish has worshiped since its charter was granted by King George II of England in 1746. The first meetings were held in the Dutch Church in what was then the settlement of Bergen. After a quarrel, meetings were held in a grain storehouse and later a private home, known as the Academy.
It was nearly 100 years before the congregation had a proper church. The cornerstone for this building, which was on Main Street near present-day Route 21, was laid on July 11th, 1836. Less than a year later, it was destroyed by fire. A new church was built in the same location, completed in 1841.
By 1909 the parish had grown and the church had become inadequate. In 1909 the current property was purchased and the Parish House constructed. This Tudor-style building still holds the parish offices, as well as a nursery school and other activities. In 1912, the Main Street church was closed and services were held on the second floor of the parish house for the next 47 years. The Vicarage was added next door in 1914.
After several false starts, the cornerstone of the present church was laid by The Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Washburn, Bishop of Newark, on Sunday, October 13, 1957 at four o’clock in the afternoon. It was consecrated in March of 1959 by The Rt. Rev’d Leland Stark.
ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS SERVICE OCT. 6TH
Christ Church has announced its annual “Blessing of the Animals” service for Sunday, October 6 at its regular 10:00 A.M. Mass. The service is held annually on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis Assisi, whose actual Feast Day is October 4 and is often regarded as the patron saint of animals.
The blessing will occur at the beginning of the Sunday Mass and persons wishing to have their pets blessed are asked to be at the church at 10:00 A.M.; pets may return to their cars if they wish and would be more comfortable following the blessing. A reception, hosted by the pets of the Vicarage, will follow the morning’s service.
September 15th - Fall Fair & Flea Market
Christ Church has announced its annual Fall Fair and Flea Market for Saturday, September 15. In the event of rain on the 15th the Fair and Flea Market will be held the following Saturday, September 22. Individuals and groups wishing to become vendors for the Flea Market are asked to phone the parish at 973-751-0616. Spaces are 10’ square and are $25 each. The parish is also receiving gifts for its own Flea Market tables. Persons wishing to make donations are asked to call the church
September 8th/9th - Homecoming Weekend
Christ Church has announced its annual festivities for Homecoming, the Sunday following Labor Day when the programming year begins, which is Sunday September 9. The parish will hold a festival Mass at 10:00 A.M. The Rev’d Paul Walker, Vicar of Christ Church, will officiate and preach. The evening before, Saturday, September 8, Christ Church will host its fourth annual Homecoming Dinner and Show, this year called “Some Enchanted Evening.” Tickets for the event are $25, include a full dinner, and may be purchased by phoning the parish at 973-751-0616. The doors open at 6:30 P.M., dinner is served at 7:00 P.M. and the show begins at 9:00 P.M. The show will highlight the talents of Miss Twinkle Montgomery and her friends.
August 27th - Care Closet Distribution Day
The Care Closet distributes packages of paper products, cleaning products and personal hygiene items to persons with Families First cards. The parish is always receiving gifts of individually wrapper paper towels, facial tissue and toilet tissue. Additionally volunteers are always welcome both for the preparation of the bags and on distribution day. For more information please phone the parish.
August 26th - Public Service of Healing
Christ Church has announced its quarterly Public Service of Healing with anointing and the Laying-On-Of-Hands on Sunday, August 26 at its regular 10:00 A.M. Mass. The Rev’d Paul Walker, Vicar of Christ Church, will officiate and preach at the service. The Public Service of Healing is open to the public. Individuals can request anointing and the Laying-On-Of-Hands at any time for healing. In addition Christ Church offers at least four times each year a Public Service of Healing with anointing and the Laying-On-Of-Hands within the context of the regular 10:00 A.M. Mass.
August 19th -NY Opera Forum Presents Verdi's Don Carlo
The New York Opera Forum, under the direction of their Music Director, Richard Nechamkim, will return for a concert performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Don Carlo on Sunday, August 19 beginning at 2:00 P.M. The concert performance will be given at Christ Episcopal Church in Belleville. The suggested donation is $10. New York Opera Forum was founded by Richard Nechamkin in 1983 to give classically trained singers the opportunity to learn and perform standard operatic repertoire in the original languages. Complete operas are performed in concert with piano accompaniment, scenes programs are either in concert or staged with minimal props and costumes, and occasional showcase and lieder recitals are presented
Requiesat Rev'd. Linus Long
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of The Rev’d Frederick
Linus Long early Saturday morning, May 26. Father Long served as the Rector
of Christ Church from 1958 until his retirement in 1990. Before coming to
Christ Church Father Long served as the Rector of St. Thomas Church in
Lyndhurst.
The body of Father Long has been cremated and his remains will be interred
with his wife Virginia in Port Richey, Florida. A memorial service will be
held there. The clergy of Christ Church has offered a Memorial Requiem here at
Christ Church; we are awaiting the response of the family.
Our sympathy is extended to the children of Father Long.
“Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.”
Remembering Ed Cxypoliski
 Christ Church mourns the loss of Edward Cxypoliski, a long-time parishioner who died Tuesday, April 24, age 91.
Born in Dunmore, Pa., Ed lived in Newark before moving to Belleville 57 years ago. He retired from P. Ballantine & Sons, Newark, after 32 years. An Army veteran of World War II, Mr. Cxypoliski served with the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge and received the Presidential Unit Citation and the N.J. Distinguished Service Medal.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris (Reilly) Cxypoliski; their daughters, Jean Bundas and her husband, David, and Lynn Brennan and her husband, Harold, and two grandchildren, Janelle and Jason Bundas.
During his long tenure at Christ Church, Ed served on the vestry, as a Sunday School teacher, and more recently as an usher and assisting with the Care Closet. In 2002, he received the David Paul Hegg II 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diocese for contributions to the Episcopal Church and his community.
A memorial service will be held in Christ Church, Belleville, on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at 2 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Christ Episcopal Church Altar Guild, 393 Washington Ave., Belleville, N.J. 07109, would be appreciated.
Jubilee Ministries Annual Appreciation Banquet May 6th
On Sunday, May 6th, the Jubilee Community Development Corporation, which oversees the various outreach ministries at Christ Church (which include The Care Closet, The Mary and Martha Soup Kitchen, and the “Investing In Kids (INK)” programs), will honor all its volunteers at a Eucharist and dinner.
The evening will begin with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30.
Contemporary Eucharist May 12th
On Saturday, May 12th, at 6:30 p.m., the Gay & Lesbian Community Fellowship will sponsor a contemporary Eucharist. The Rev’d Paul Walker, Vicar of Christ Church, will officiate at the Mass, and Mr. Michael Petti, Aspirant for Holy Orders, will preach. A light supper will follow the liturgy. All are welcome.
Mother's Day Brunch May 13th
On Sunday, May 13th, our annual Mother's Day brunch will follow the 10:00 Eucharist.
Spring Fair & Flea Market May 19th
On Saturday, May 19th, we will hold our annual Spring Fair & Flea Market.In the event of rain of the 19th the Fair and Flea Market will be held the following Saturday, May 26.
Individuals and groups wishing to become vendors for the Flea Market are asked to phone the parish at 973-751-0616. Spaces are 10’ square and are $25 each.
The parish is also receiving gifts for its own Flea Market tables. Persons wishing to make donations are asked to call the church at 973-751-0616 or to leave them at the church, located at 393 Washington Avenue.
Wednesdays During Lent
During Lent Father Randy will offer a series of movies on Wednesday evening. The movie, with a light supper, will follow a quiet Mass at 6:30 P.M. The movies comprise a broad span of cinematography. Included will be Dogma, Jesus of Montreal, The Robe, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and Therese.
Lenten Quiet Day - Saturday March 31st
Meeting God in the Desert Places of our Lives. Led by Father Randy, this time for guided prayer, reflection and quiet Eucharist will lead us into Holy Week 2-6 p.m.
Ash Wednesday February 21st
Lent will begin on Wednesday, February 21, Ash Wednesday. The Proper Liturgy for Ash Wednesday with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 8:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 20th
Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tickets will be available soon.
African-American Month Evensong February 18th
The annual Evensong in Black Church Tradition will be held on Sunday, February 18 at 4:00 P.M. This delightful event in celebration of African-American Month is free and open to the public. Please attend and bring your friends!
New York Opera Forum Presents Gotterdammerung February 11th
The New York Opera Forum will return on Sunday, February 11 at 4:00 P.M. to present a concert version of the Prologue and Act One of Gotterdammerung by Richard Wagner. The suggested donation is $10.
Contemporary Eucharist Saturday, February 10th
A contemporary-music Eucharist, co-sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Community Fellowship, will take place Saturday, February 10th at 6:30 p.m. This "folk mass" is held in a more relaxed and intimate setting than Sunday worship. All are welcome! A light supper follows.
Charter Day Commemorates 261st Anniversary February 11th
“Charter Day”, the celebration of the 261st anniversary of the giving of the Royal Grant Charter that established Christ Church, will take place Sunday, February 11th.
The annual “A Taste of Soul Luncheon” follows the morning Mass.
Souper Bowl Sunday
Following the 12:00 service on Sunday, February 4th, we will host a "Souper Bowl" luncheon to benefit the Mary & Martha Soup Kitchen.
More than 15 years ago on a Super Bowl Sunday, a single youth group was inspired by a simple prayer. They started the Souper Bowl of Caring, a youth-led movement that is now an international event.
Since 1990, the Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $33 million for individual charities across the country. It is also turning our nation’s biggest weekend of football into its largest weekend of giving.
Each year, tens of thousands of our nation’s youth put God’s love into action through the Souper Bowl of Caring. You can help them feel the significance of caring for others.
Drop a dollar in the soup pot today as you leave worship. Your donation will go directly to our own Mary and Martha Soup Kitchen. Join us for Soup downstairs following the Morning Mass and drop your gift into the basket there. With your help, more dollars will be raised, more lives will be changed, and more people will experience the joy of serving Christ by serving others.
“Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”
Annual Meeting January 28th
The annual meeting of the Parish of Christ Church, Belleville, New Jersey has been called for Sunday, January 28 following the 10:00 A.M. Mass. The polls will be opened at 10:00 A.M. All parishioners in good standing— those who are regular in attendance and who are contributors of record for the previous year— may vote.
Call for written reports for the published Annual Report of the Congregation: Written reports from all committees of the Parish are to be submitted by Sunday, January 14; Financial Reports are due by Thursday, January 18.
 Mark Beckwith Elected Tenth Bishop of Newark
Christ Church congratulates Rev. Mark Beckwith, who was elected the tenth Bishop of Newark on Saturday, September 23rd. Pending the approval from the Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction throughout the United States, Rev. Beckwith will be consecrated bishop on January 27th, 2007 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. For more information, please visit www.dioceseofnewark.org.
2006
La Misa en EspaÑol
Cada domingo, al mediodía, celebramos la Misa en español.
Randy Lee Webster Ordained to the Priesthood April 22nd
By the will of God
and the consent of the People
The Rt. Rev’d John Palmer Croneberger,
Ninth Bishop of Newark,
will ordain
Randy Lee Webster
to the Sacred Order of Priests
in Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and
Apostolic Church
on Saturday of Easter Week,
the twenty-second of April,
at ten o’clock
Christ Church
Belleville, New Jersey
A reception will follow in the Undercroft.
Father Webster will celebrate his first Mass
on Sunday, April 23 at 10 o’clock
at Christ Church.
First Blessings will be offered
following the Mass.
2006 Executive Committee Retreat
2005
Randy Lee Webster Ordained to the Deaconate
Oct. 15th
It is with great joy that the Christ Church family
announces that Randy Lee Webster was ordained to the Sacred Order
of Deacons by the Right Reverend John P. Cronbeberger, Ninth Bishop
of Newark, on Saturday, October 15th at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon
followed in the Undercroft.
Some
photos - more to follow!
Youth/Young Adults Musical Revue Raises Over
$1,200
On Friday, July 29th at 8 p.m., a group of local
young singers of high-school and university age of Belleville
and Nutley presented a musical revue titled "Twenty-First
Century Broadway". They raised over $1,200 to help cover
the damage caused by the "Great Easter Flood" that damaged
our undercroft and destroyed a large amount of food and supplies
for our outreach ministries.
Some Photos of Summer Events
A party for a parishioner who recently received his US citizenship
Members of Christ Church's vestry (Michael Petti, John Bertrand
& Sandy Yeomans) with Rev'd. Paul E. Walker and the Right
Rev'd. John P. Croneberger, Bishop of Newark, at the groundbreaking
of the mausoleum at Christ Church Cemetery
Members of the 2005 Confirmation/Reception class with Rev'd.
Paul E. Walker
Kevin & Father Paul at the party for Kevin's baptism
Parishioner Delores Bowie receives the Senior Achievement Award
from The Right Rev'd. John P. Croneberger, Bishop of Newark, at
Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark. Fellow parishioner
Elizabeth Broadus is at right.
Worldwide Anglican Church Responds to Disaster
in Southeast Asia
The worldwide Anglican church joins in response
to the tragic effects of a tsunami in Southeast Asia.
Episcopal Relief and Development has raised over $11,000,000 for
aid projects in southern India and Sri Lanka through existing
aid channels at our churches in the area. If you would like to
help ERD in their work, please click the link below:
2004 and earlier
Bishop to Visit Oct. 10th
On Sunday, October 10th, the Right
Reverend John Palmer Croneberger, Bishop of Newark, will make a
pastoral visitation to Christ Church to help celebrate the anniversary
of the dedication of our present church. The entire family of faith
is asked to be present.
Blessing of the Animals
& Welcoming of New Members Oct. 3rd
On Sunday, October 3rd, new members
will be welcomed into the family of faith here at Christ Church.
If you have not been received publically and would like to be, please
speak to Fr. Paul as soon as possible.
The annual Blessing of the Animals
will also take place at this service. Bring your pets to receive
a special blessing from Fr. Paul.
Fall Fair & Flea Market
- Saturday, September 25th
It's not too early to begin making
plans for the Fall Fair & Flea Market, which will take place
on the Great Lawn on Saturday, September 25th. All members of the
church are requested to be present and assist in this important
day on our church calendar.
We welcome vendors (except for
food) so if you are interested in renting a table, please contact
the vicarage at 973-751-0616.
NYOF Presents "Un
Ballo in Mashera" on Sept. 19th
The New York Opera Forum will present
a concert performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera
(The Masked Ball) on Sunday, Sept. 19th at 5:00 p.m. Admission is
$10
New York Opera Forum was founded
by Richard Nechamkin in 1983 to give classically trained singers
the opportunity to learn and perform standard operatic repertoire
in the original languages. Complete operas are performed in concert
with piano accompaniment, scenes programs are either in concert
or staged with minimal props and costumes, and occasional showcase
and lieder recitals are presented.
Homecoming is September
12th
Our annual Homecoming will take
place on Sunday, September 12th at the 10:00 a.m. service. This
is our way of kicking off fall programs and welcoming back those
whose summer routine takes them away from us. It is also an excellent
opportunity for newcomers to check out the church, and members are
encouraged to bring a friend. A special luncheon will follow the
service.
A Star-Studded Celebration for Patriot
Day - Sat. Sept. 11th
For the past several years, we
have marked the anniversary of September 11th with solemn remembrances
of those lost on the horrible day that changed our nation, and our
region in particular, forever.
This year we have chosen to celebrate
the unity and teamwork that makes this country great, not only in
times of tragedy but every day, by giving our annual Homecoming
dinner & reception a "Patriot Day" theme.
Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m.,
and will be followed by dessert and a special show at 9:00 p.m.
Tickets for dinner only are $20, tickets for show and dessert only
are $10, and a combination ticket for dinner, show and dessert are
$25. Please call the Vicarage if you are interested. This is sure
to be an event you won't forget, so get your tickets now!
National Night Out August 3rd
On Tuesday, August 3rd from 6 'til 9 p.m., we will
be hosting Belleville's National Night Out on our Great Lawn. Some
of the attractions will include:
- Business displays from the area Chamber of Commerce
- Antique car show
- Salsa dancing demonstration
- Music by DJ Eddie and some local musicians
Please call the vicarage for details or if your
business might like to participate.
Spanish Language
Classes Begin June 2
Christ Church has announced the inauguration of
a new program at Christ Church called "Spanish As A Second
Language." The course is intended for people who wish to begin
to learn the Spanish language. The course was scheduled in response
to the rising number of Spanish-speaking members of the parish,
but the course is open to the public and anyone wishing to attend
may do so. The course will meet on Wednesday and Thursday evenings
at 7:30 P.M. and will be taught by Santiago Paniagua. Mr. Paniagua
is the community relations representative of the Hispanic Development
Corporation of Newark.
The course will be introduced at a special meeting
on Wednesday, June 2 at 7:30 P.M.; the textbooks will be ordered
based on interest at the June 2nd meeting. The instruction will
begin the following Wednesday evening, June 9 at 7:30 P.M. The course
instruction is free, but donations for the instruction will be accepted;
there is a minimal cost for the textbooks.
Morning Prayer with Sermon in Spanish
Effective June 20th, we will -- in addition to our Sunday Eucharist
in English at 10:00 a.m., have morning prayer with sermon in Spanish,
every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
Jubilee Thanksgiving Dinner
We will be hosting the annual Thank You! Dinner for all of those
who are involved with the various ministries of the Jubilee Community
Development Corporation on Saturday, June 12. The Rt. Rev’d
Martin Townsend, Bishop retired of Easton (Maryland) and now the
Assisting Bishop of Newark, will be the Celebrant and Preacher at
the 6:00 P.M. Liturgy of Thanksgiving. The liturgy will be followed
at 7:00 P.M. by the dinner. Everyone in the parish is urged to place
this event on your calendars now!
EVENSONG TO COMMEMORATE BLACK
HISTORY MONTH
Christ Episcopal Church will host a special Evensong
this coming Sunday, February 22, at four in the afternoon, in observance
of African-American History Month. The Very Rev'd C. David Williams,
Dean of Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral, will be the guest preacher.
FORMAL DANCE TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S
DAY, 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF FR. PAUL'S ARRIVAL
Christ Church takes great pleasure in announcing
a very special event for Saturday, February 14th at eight o'clock
in the evening. The parish will host "The Pink & Lavender
Ball" which honors the fifth anniversary of the arrival of
the Rev'd. Paul Walker in our midst as our vicar priest and pastor.
Beautifully decorated in pink and lavender, the
ballroom in the Undercroft will become the setting for the evening.
We will be entertained by the David D'Angelo Jazz Quartet, a professional
ensemble from Manhattan that has appeared several times at Christ
Church.
We will be treated to a dazzling buffet of chocolate
desserts that are "to die for" and white and blush wines
will be served.
The attire for the evening will be semiformal to
formal.
Can you think of a better way to end your St. Valentine's
Day celebration than with such an event?
Tickets for the event are $16. If you are interested
in attending, please contact the vicarage.
LGBT FELLOWSHIP TAKES NEW DIRECTION
Beginning in February, the monthly meeting of the
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender support group will have a new night
and format. The meeting will now take place on the first Tuesday
of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Undercroft, and rather than a
dinner/social with no set agenda, we will instead have a variety
of presentations on LGBT issues, followed by coffee and dessert.
For more information visit the group's page
on this site.
WORLD AIDS DAY OBSERVANCE - MON.
DEC. 1
With fourteen panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
serving as a backdrop, the Diocesan service observing World AIDS
Day took place Monday, December 1 at Christ Church in Belleville.
The Rev. Paul Walker, Vicar of Christ Church presided and the Rev.
Paul S. Hunt, diocesan Canon to the Ordinary, was the celebrant.
Read by the Rev. Mildred Solomon, the Gospel lesson for the day
was from the sixth chapter of John.
In his sermon, Mr. Gregory Perez, the new Executive
Director of the AIDS Resource Center, drew from his encounters with
people devastated by HIV and AIDS to remind those assembled of our
collective duty to care for all those whose lives are touched by
the disease. Perez, a former Roman Catholic who came to us from
Texas, felt drawn to the Episcopal Church because of its inclusiveness
and emphasis on outreach. Perez and the other new trustees of the
ARC were then commissioned by Rev. Hunt. in his role as Chair.
Then, while the congregation joined in the Taize
chant “Jesus, remember me”, the names of AIDS victims
were read aloud by Lyn Headley-Moore, diocesan Justice Commissioner,
and John Simonelli, OASIS commissioner.
Led by Randy Webster, Christ Church’s Director
of Music, the musical choices for the service lent both an air of
prayerful introspection but also one of hope, including particularly
rousing renditions of “I Am the Bread of Life” and “Blessed
Assurance”.
"UNDER THE QUILT"
A CONCERT FOR AIDS AWARENESS - FRI. NOV. 28TH
On Friday, November 28th, an intimate but dedicated
crowd braved the uncooperative weather and assembled at Christ Church
Belleville for a wonderful evening of music and fellowship to begin
observance of World AIDS Day.
Called “Under the Quilt”, the concert
was an effort to raise funds to help offset the cost of displaying
fourteen panels of the AIDS
Memorial Quilt in the nave of the church, a project the
Jubilee Community Development Corporation undertakes every other
year as an educational event for the surrounding community.
The evening’s entertainment began with Beth
Sherby and Tara Davis, two-thirds of the
Montclair folk trio The Sherbys. Beth and Tara
performed and eclectic mix of original and familiar songs, including
John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” and the Dixie
Chicks’ “Cowboy, Take Me Away” accompanied by
acoustic guitar. The Sherbys’ signature sound slides from
folk to blues to power-rock and back again, with something for everyone.
Next on the bill was Brooklyn-based Girlyman,
made up of Jersey-born Doris Muramatsu, Nate
Borofsky, and Tammy Greenstein. Each takes
turns singing lead, and they seem to effortlessly pass a variety
of instruments around: a recent addition is a banjo. Fans in the
audience recognized and sang along with favorites such as “Postcards
from Mexico” and “Amaze Me” (which became the
title track of a compilation CD called Amaze Me: Songs in the Key
of Peace). “Say Goodbye,” an original tune by Doris
Muramatsu, which speaks achingly of loss of a loved one, left few
dry eyes in the house.
The Jubilee CDC would like to thank the following
people, who helped make the evening a success: Beth Sherby and Tara
Davis, who generously performed for free; Girlyman and their booking
agent Genevieve of Clever Shark Records, who performed at cost;
and Joe Ribaudo, Martin Williams
and Linda DeSimon of the Franklin Reformed
Church in Nutley, who donated both the use of their sound
equipment but also their expertise in operating it. The Franklin
Reformed Church has its own coffeehouse music series called the
Hillside
Cafe, which takes place on the first Saturday
of each month. We are also grateful for the assistance of Scott
Sheldon of the Sanctuary
Concert Series in
Berkeley Heights and Richard Katz of Outpost
in the 'Burbs in Montclair for their assistance
in planning and promoting this event. In addition, we extend special
thanks to the Rotary Club of Belleville, who continue
to help support the display of the quilt.
For some pictures of the concert, click here.
THREE MEMBERS OF CHRIST CHURCH RECEIVED
AT CATHEDRAL CEREMONY
On Sunday, November 23, three parishoners at Christ
Church were received into the national church by his Grace, the
Rt. Rev. Rufus Brome, Retired Bishop of Barbados and our current
Assisting Bishop, at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark.
They are Michael Petti, John Bertrand and Joseph Dedalonis.
(from right) Michael Petti, John
Bertrand, Rev'd. Paul Walker, Rt. Rev'd. Rufus Brome, Joseph Dedalonis
 BISHOP
& MRS. BROME VISIT ON HOLY CROSS SUNDAY
The Rt. Rev. Rufus Brome, Retired Bishop of Barbados
and our current Assisting Bishop, was our guest preacher and celebrant
on the Feast of the Holy Cross, Sunday, September 14th.
After the service there was a reception to welcome
his Grace and his wife. They will return to their native Barbados
at the end of this year. We are very grateful to Bishop Brome and
his wife for visiting us, and for all the work they have done for
the diocese for the past three years.
SUMMER FAIR & FLEA MARKET
A SUCCESS
On July 12th we held our annual Summer Fair &
Flea Market, the second of three such events that happen each
year. We were blessed with a glorious day and many people stopped
by to browse and buy.
We are much indebted to Crossroads
Outdoor Ministries who sent five volunteers to help make the
day a success.
Pictures of the flea market are here.
RECAP OF JUBILEE MINISTRIES CELEBRATION
We are pleased to present pictures
of our Appreciation Service and Banquet, featuring guest preacher,
the Right Rev. Steven Charleston, former Bishop of Alaska and
current President and Dean of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge,
Mass. We also have listed all the contributors
to this wonderful event, and wish to thank everyone who helped
or participated.
JUBILEE MINISTRIES RECOGNITION
CELEBRATION
On Saturday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m., the Jubilee
Community Development Corporation
at Christ Church - Belleville will hold a special Vigil of Pentecost
service and banquet in appreciation of all those who have taken
part in its various outreach projects during the past year.
We are especially excited to announce that the Right Reverend
Steven Charleston, former Bishop of the Diocese of Alaska and
current President and Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge,
will be the guest preacher at this event.
The Rev. Lyle Hall, chair of the board of trustees
at EDS, said that Charleston "truly embodies a passionate
concern for justice and the eradication of oppression, as well
as being an individual of deep personal spirituality." Many
of us in the Diocese of Newark were privileged to hear his sermon
at the most recent Diocesan Convention... he is considered one
of our church's most dynamic preachers.
We invite our diocesan family to join us in appreciation
of those who work hard at these important outreach ministries.
All are welcome to attend the service, and we also have a limited
number of seats available at the banquet. If you are interested
in attending the dinner, please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible by
calling Christ Church Vicarage at 973-751-0616.
We would like to personally thank all those in
the diocese who generously contributed towards making this banquet
possible and thus furthering the work of the Jubilee CDC.
Once again, Christ Church is bringing in the
New Year in style. On December 31, a dinner and dance with live
music will be held in the Undercroft. Tickets, which cost $25,
are available by calling the Vicarage at (973) 751-0616.
On December 29th, our Eucharist will include
a celebration of Kwanzaa and the Four Winds Prayers for the New
Year. Kwanzaa is described by its creator, Dr. Maulana Karenga,
as bringing "a cultural message which speaks to the best
of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense."
Following the service will be the annual Open
House at the Vicarage.
Sunday, December 1st is World AIDS Day. Christ
Church, in concert with the Oasis
(the Diocesan ministry to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered
persons), is offering two events to commemorate the ongoing fight
against AIDS and remember those who suffer from, or have lost
their lives to, the disease.
On Sunday, December 1st at 7 p.m., a candlelight
vigil will be held in the Church.
On Tuesday, December 3rd at 8 p.m., a special
service will be held in the Church. Oasis members from across
the diocese are expected to be in attendance. In a special gift
from The NAMES
Project, a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will once again
be on display in the Church. The NAMES Project has generously
absorbed the cost of shipment as a gift to Christ Church.
The New York Opera Forum has announced the remaining
performances in its 2002 season at Christ Church.
- On Sunday, October 27th, the forum will present
Charles Gounod's Faust at 7:00 p.m.
- On Sunday, November 10th, Le Nozze di Figaro,
at 7:00 pm.
- On Saturday, December 7th at 7:30 p.m.; Hansel
and Gretel
The forum was founded and is directed by Richard
Nechamkin. Suggested donation for each performance is $10.
These performances are part of the Christ Church
Music Series, an effort to provide a cultural outlet to the community
by providing various types of musical offerings.
As has become custom, Christ Church will once
again offer a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday,
Nov. 28th at approximately 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open
to all.
The evening before, we will hold a special Thanksgiving
Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.
Approximately 800 area children screamed, laughed
and ate at the fourth annual Haunted House and Hallowen Party,
which took place Saturday, Oct. 26th.
Although the event began at 7 p.m., by 6:15,
a line of children and their parents wound around the corner of
Essex Street, past the Jubilee Doors, and into the "haunted"
Parish House, where ghouls and goblins, portrayed by area teen
volunteers, made them shriek with delight as they made their way
through a maze. Afterwards, they got some goodies to eat and listened
to the music of a D.J., although many kids begged their parents
for another dollar and went through the maze a second time.
This event is co-sponsored by Christ Church's
INK program, the Consolidated of
the Belleville School District, and the Community Police Unit
of the Belleville Police. Attendance has increased each year.
The proceeds will go to the D.A.R.E. program.
Christ Episcopal (Anglican) Church has announced
a Folemn Festival Mass for 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 13th, to
celebrate the 45th anniversary of the dedication of the current
church and the laying of its cornerstone.
The Rev'd Paul Walker, Vicar of Christ Church,
will officiate at the service. Canon Carter Echols, canon to the
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for Congregational Development,
will be the guest preacher.
The service will also commemorate the second
anniversary of the insitution of "The Tulip Project,"
the parish's five-year plan for congregational growth and development.
A festival reception will follow in the Undercroft.
During the service, the restored Carillon and
the completion of the Undercroft lighting project will be dedicted.
Christ Church is honored to have Carter Echols,
Canon for Congregational Development, as a guest preacher for
the event.
Canon Echols joined the Diocese in the spring
of this year from the Diocese of Washington, where she performed
a similar role. is well-known in the wider church as a leader
in social and justice ministry.
Hailing from Arlington, Virginia Canon Echols
received her B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of
Virginia, then worked at Coventry Cathedral in England as assistant
to the Canon Missioner, where she learned how the Church can
be a resource and agent of reconciliation in a community.
She received her M.B.A. at the College of William
and Mary, and over the years has worked for the Bishop of Massachusetts;
for Samaritan Ministry, whose "Next Steps" program
for low-income familes is being used in the Diocese of Newark;
and for Call to Renewal, an ecumenical group finding ways for
Christians across different denominations to speak with one
voice about overcoming poverty.
For three years she was Canon Missioner for
the National Cathedral in Washington, serving as the dean's
liaison with community ministries in the D.C. area. She has
also taught on the theology and practice of social ministry
at Virginia Seminary.
Sunday's feast will also be the occasion of
the re-dedication of the church's carillon system, which has
been silent for many years. The new digital controls will combine
not only the electronic carillon system, but the church's four
cast bells as well.
The tower bell in the Parish House dates from
1837. It was cast from the remains of the original English church
bell, as well as all the brass and silver altar vessels from
the original (1836) church, which was destroyed by fire less
than a year after its completion. In 1944, this bell was dedicated
to those who lost their lives in World War 2.
The three smaller bells in the A-frame tower
adjacent to the church were given by Louis Plansoen in memory
of his mother, Wilhelmina Cornelia Plansoen, when the present
church was built in 1958.
The new system will ring the "Angelus"
on these bells three times a day, inviting those around the
church to prayer.
At their dedication, these bells will peal
together for the first time, and will continue to ring throughout
the singing of the "Gloria in Excelis"
The carillon was installed by the parish at
the time of the present church's construction in 1958 to honor
the Rev'd Peter Ritte Deckenbach, then Paster Emeritus. Much
loved by the congregation, he served as pastor from 1924 until
he retired in 1958. The carillon will play hymns for the first
time in many years on Sunday, October 13th.
The entire project was made possible by a gift
to the parish from the estate of the late Lillian Westcott,
beloved long-time member of Christ Church, who passed away in
January of this year. It will be dedicated in her memory.
The Verdin Bell Company of Cincinnati, Ohio
performed the restoration work on the bell system.
The fourth annual Haunted House and Hallowen
Party will take place Saturday, Oct. 26th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by Christ Church's INK
program, the Consolidated of the Belleville School District, and
the Community Police Unit of the Belleville Police.
The cost of the event is $1, and the proceeds
will go to the D.A.R.E. program. Children under the age of 14
should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The New York Opera Forum has announced the remaining
performances in its 2002 season at Christ Church.
- On Sunday, October 27th, the forum will present
Charles Gounod's Faust at 7:00 p.m.
- On Sunday, November 10th, Le Nozze di Figaro,
at 7:00 pm.
- On Saturday, December 7th at 7:30 p.m.; Hansel
and Gretel
The forum was founded and is directed by Richard
Nechamkin. Suggested donation for each performance is $10.
These performances are part of the Christ Church
Music Series, an effort to provide a cultural outlet to the community
by providing various types of musical offerings.
On Wednesday, September 11th, 2002, Christ Church
opened its doors to the township for an ecumenical service marking
the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.
Nearly 200 people attended the service, which
was co-sponsored by Consolidated of Belleville.
Belleville Mayor Jerry Digori addressed those
assembled, and there were various readings of Scripture and poetry,
including Edna St. Vincent-Millay's "Dirge
Without Music", and singing of various patriotic and
popular songs. Albert Alvez of Belleville High School prepared
a slide presentation, which provided a moving backdrop to the
other elements of the evening.
At a key point in the service, those assembled
were invited to light candles while reciting the Kaddish,
the Hebrew prayer for the dead.
Pictures of this event are available in our Photo
Album.
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