Parish Life celebrates the relationships we have with each other. The most regular and visible sign of our life together may be the Coffee Hour. Each week individuals or families bring delectable goodies to share with the congregation, providing an atmosphere that encourages fellowship, good conversation, and keeps us connected (though during the pandemic we’ve suspended Coffee Hour for safety’s sake).
Other activities, such as the annual parish picnic and Knitting Pearls, provide avenues for other fellowship. In addition, many of our fundraisers such as our Christmas Bazaar bring us closer together. The same can be said for our Parish Work Days, in which we gather one day monthly to take care of our church and property and to spend time with one another.
Our parish’s great love and appreciation of our history has been a particularly meaningful way of developing our Parish Life as we create many opportunities to share our traditions with one another and with the greater community. Communications, such as the Crown, the website, and Weekly Email help to keep our parish family connected and “in the know”.
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Coffee Hour
We Episcopalians love our Coffee Hour! Following the 10:00 am service each Sunday, it has become known by some as “the Eighth Sacrament.” Church members sign up to host each week. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are provided by the Church; the hosts bring additional baked goods to be served. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and occasional forums. Coffee Hour is held in the Parish House most of the year; during the summer months iced tea and lemonade are served on the lawn in front of the Church.
Episcopal Church Women
All women 16 and older are considered members of ECW. What do we do? We are figuring that out! The pandemic put us out of business for awhile, but this year we revitalized and are enjoying spending time together. ECW meets once a month from September through May. Sometimes we are out for lunch, breakfast, or a light dinner. Other times we meet in the Parish Hall, where we work together on projects for our church or community (we are currently putting ribbons in all our Books of Common Prayer and Hymnals to make them easier to use during services). We are open to all kinds of ideas, but mostly we would like to get to know you and develop friendships with one another. Contact Susan Sellars or the Church Office for more information.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Breakfast Group at Christ Church exists to foster fellowship, spiritual growth, and mutual encouragement among the men of our congregation. Meeting once a month over a shared meal, we seek to strengthen our bonds as brothers in Christ, to support one another in life’s challenges, and to deepen our understanding of God’s Word. Through prayer, conversation, and shared experiences, we hope to grow in faith and learn how to live out the love of Christ in our homes, workplaces, and community.
Our gatherings are a place of welcome, honesty, and mutual respect, where men of all ages can share their journeys, ask hard questions, and find encouragement for daily life. Together, we aim to build each other up, serve our church family whenever and wherever needed, and be a visible witness of Christ’s transforming power in the world.
Pastoral Care
In a community that almost seems like an extended family, caring for one another in times of difficulty and need is essential in the parish. Whether a couple is attending pre-marital sessions, a family is in need of counseling through difficult personal times, or whether one needs support and assistance surrounding the death of a loved one, the church seeks to respond in personal and meaningful ways. Although the Rector is often seen as the “first response” person, she is by no means the only one to care for the flock. Each week altar flowers are brought to those who cannot attend worship or are taken to a local nursing home or facility. Our Deacon, Seminarian, and Parishioners visit those who are sick, and those who are licensed also may take communion to them. Upon the death of a church member, the ECW (Women’s Group) is ready to host a meal in the Parish Hall and to be a spiritual and emotional support in that great time of need.
Christmas Bazaar
The annual Christmas Bazaar is held on the first Saturday of December. It features fabulous gift baskets, a Bake Shoppe, Trinkets and Treasures, and much more.
Blessing of the Animals
Every year, on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th), we hold our Annual Blessing of the Animals for the community. Traditionally held at 4:30 pm in the Churchyard just south of the Church building, all animals (and their friends and guardians) are invited to join us for an open-air worship service. Participants are encouraged to bring a donation of pet supplies for the Monmouth County ASPCA.
Panera Night Out
A very new event for us is a night out at our local Panera. Parishioners enjoy a reasonably priced meal, the fellowship of family and friends, and the Church receives a piece of the profits! How it works: we announce a specific date and hours that you can dine in, take out, or order out, with a coupon given to you by Christ Church. You come, order, eat, enjoy. That’s it! A win-win for you and for our Faith Community. Contact Carl Alfano or the Church Office for more information, and keep a watch for the next Panera date!
Second Saturday Parish Work Days
From 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on the second Saturday of each month, volunteers gather at the Church to work on small projects around the buildings and grounds. You are invited to spend the entire time with us, but you are also welcome to come for an hour or two. There is plenty to be done – both inside and out – and there are tasks for every age and ability. Many of our youth use this time for “Community Service Hours” required by their schools. Contact Walt Dein or the Church Office for more information.