Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck. In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church’s Calendar of Saints, Tim came up with this unique Lenten devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Lent Madness was born on his blog “Clergy Family Confidential” which has subsequently moved locations and become "Clergy Confidential."
The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move ino the area of saintly kitsch. If you're not sure about terminology, check out our glossary. It's free!

More information is on their website.  You can sign up to get the daily match-up in your email and have voting priviledges.

The Youth Group is hosting a Church of the Holy Spirit t-shirt sale. Same shirt as in the past. They are selling them for $12 per shirt, with $3 for each sale going directly to the youth group (the online payment includes the credit card fees).

The form to order a shirt is https://forms.gle/qwrUwq41Vg3JVgF16 or use the button below and then come back and pay with the Paypal button.

​All orders and payments are due March 23. Shirts will be delivered early April before the Good Friday Day of Service. 

CHS Picnic and "Blessing of the Bikes and Feet": 
Sunday June 22nd beginning at noon at Pickell Park in Readington Twp.    ​

Somerset Patriots Ballgame: Saturday July 12th.  
Game begins at 7 pm.  This will be a fun and exciting evening as it will be a "Jersey Diners" game and will feature the historic and cultural significance of the diner.  You can expect to be transported with classic music, blue plate specials at the concession stands, and diner-themed promotions. Both the Spinning Wheel Diner and The Towne Restaurant in Clinton are sponsors of this event! To top it off you will be treated to an awesome fireworks display!  ​

Hello from Cross Roads!
We’re looking for some amazing people to join our summer staff at Cross Roads this coming summer, and we thought you might know just the right folks! (Cross Roads Camp is just across from the Teetertown Nature Preserve in Lebanon - just north of Califon)

We’re hiring counselors (18+), kitchen staff (16+), and maintenance crew (18+) for Summer 2025. It’s not just a job—it’s a chance to grow, make lifelong friends, and have the best summer ever!

Do you know someone who would love the experience? A former camper, a college student, or someone in your community who’s looking for a meaningful summer? We’d love for you to pass the word along.
We’ve attached a flyer to make sharing easy. Your help means the world to us, and every share helps us find those perfect fit!

Find all the details and apply here: https://www.crossroadsretreat.com/employment/
Thanks so much for helping us build an awesome team for this summer!

Peace,
Helen

Helen Payanzo (She/Her)
Program Director
Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center
[email protected] 
Mobile: 937-974-3247
Office:  908-832-7264  Fax: 908-928-4066
www.CrossRoadsRetreat.com
 We're Hiring! Help us find awesome young adults to join our Summer Staff! Click here to learn more. Thank you for helping us spread the word!

LENTEN STUDY PROGRAM!

LENTEN STUDY PROGRAM!  We are off to a good start with 27 participants at the first session!  24 in person and 3 on Zoom.  We are trying out having the sessions in the Sanctuary, and want to make sure that everyone can hear.  If at all possible, if you could come a few minutes early and try to sit in the pews that we have positioned near Father Tim, we’ll have a ‘sound check’ so that we can make sure that everyone has the maximum opportunity to participate.     

In preparation for the second session on March 26:
please read Chapter 3 (Redirect Your Rage), Chapter 4 (Beat Bias) and Chapter 5 (Rework Your Origin Story) pages 32-66.  

The Zoom link is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83375623717?pwd=paJL8UaDQqu0pUWEobsmvKefsgGKgS.1

The Backup Zoom link is:
https://zoom.us/j/91376817129?pwd=WGg5SGZyRnN5RmtyNWp3UVQwbFFzUT09

Looking forward to another thoughtful session on Wednesday with Father Tim!

Contact Janet Matts ([email protected]) or Tricia Simpson-Curtin ([email protected]) with any questions.

Who is the Rev. Tim Mulder?
​The Rev. Dr. Timothy Mulder has served Reformed and Episcopal parishes in New Jersey and Maryland. He was Associate Professor of Worship, Preaching and the Arts and Director of the Chapel at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He served as Executive Director of the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and curriculum director for the Iona Collaboration (25 dioceses) for non-traditional theological education in preaching.  His work with the Apostles’ House (for homeless women and children) led to the development of a neighborhood health clinic in Newark along with Rutgers Medical school, and an adult continuing education program called “All the Way Up.” He worked with The General Theological Seminary to develop the Wisdom Year program to give seminarians ministry experience in the field with experienced clergy as mentors.  Most recently Tim has been assisting parishes in transition, leading retreats and working with diaconal programs to help deacons and other lay persons to be effective preachers. Tim and his wife, Linda, live in Gladstone.

Dear friends,
            I have been approached by Hunterdon Medical Center for help with a problem  they have identified.  Many of the staff have noticed that several patients, from toddlers to adults, are being released from the hospital without adequate winter clothing.  To help ease this situation, HMC would greatly appreciate donations of NEW hats and gloves for all ages, except babies.  Many groups already provide headwear for  babies, but there is a considerable demand for  winter items for children and adults.
            They were very grateful for the parcels we donated last summer for homeless patients  and have asked if CHS could again help with this  project.  They also will provide us with plastic bags to store each item.  As an additional consideration, they mentioned that sweatshirts also  would be a tremendous help.  However, realizing this is a significantly bigger donation than hats or gloves, they asked me to simply mention it with the idea that some parishioners may be interested in donating the sweatshirts (again, all sizes for children small up to and including  adult Xlarge). Please note that we are not collecting scarves or mufflers.
            I am hopeful that you will join me in providing these winter clothing items for HMS, a facility that serves people from many communities in Hunterdon County.  Bins will be placed in the Narthex for your contributions.
            Thank you for your help and support. 

Suzanne Higgins
[email protected]