 At the new vestry retreat this weekend, which was held at the Community of St. John the Baptist (csjb.org) in Mendham, vestry members identified Holy Spirit’s ten (10) areas of ministry focus… If you are curious to find out more or feel called to get involved in one or two (or more) areas of ministry, drop your name and contact info in one of the bags (or email us at admin@churchholyspirit.net) and a member of vestry will contact you... 🕊️
 Epiphany is coming |
 Theology on Tap will take the next few weeks off as people’s schedules are a bit…… unpredictable? Check here for information about when ToT will restart. We will set aside The Story of Christianity for a time while we consider John Hick's take on the question of the existence of evil in Evil and the God of Love. If you don't have the book as yet, you can easily access the first few pages to complete the reading. Specifically, read the two Prefaces, pp. vii - x and Section I of Chapter 1, pp. 3-6. Also, take a good look at the table of contents. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84193332070?pwd=YUFZeFYyUGFSTmlmdmZ3RFI2KzlaUT09 Evil and the God of Love by John Hick is available to down-load free of charge courtesy academia.edu. or may be purchased on Biblio.com second hand for about $10. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84193332070?pwd=YUFZeFYyUGFSTmlmdmZ3RFI2KzlaUT09 |  |
During the quarantine, when we did not have live services, flowers were not needed on the altar. Prior to last March, we welcomed donations of flowers for Thanksgivings, Memorials, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Births, or other special occasions.
We are again LIVE at CHS and are asking for your donations of flowers for the altar each week.
To have flowers placed at the altar and ambo, please use the "Donate" button below. Please indicate the reason so that we can acknowledge your gift in the bulletin. Right under the "Make this a monthly donation?" there is a tiny pencil. That is where you click and type your reason - "in thanksgiving for the birth of our grandchild" . No, it is not obvious! If you can't figure out how to make the memorial online, email your reason to Support@churchholyspirit.net along with the information that you donated online.
We are again LIVE at CHS and are asking for your donations of flowers for the altar each week.
To have flowers placed at the altar and ambo, please use the "Donate" button below. Please indicate the reason so that we can acknowledge your gift in the bulletin. Right under the "Make this a monthly donation?" there is a tiny pencil. That is where you click and type your reason - "in thanksgiving for the birth of our grandchild" . No, it is not obvious! If you can't figure out how to make the memorial online, email your reason to Support@churchholyspirit.net along with the information that you donated online.
Altar Flower Donation
(If you use the DONATE button at the bottom of CHSNews, the Trumpeter and/or the website please indicate that it is a flower donation and the reason so that we can acknowledge in the bulletin.)
To have your offering listed in the bulletin each week, we ask that you make your donation online no later than one week before; if you wish to pay by check, please email your information to Support@churchholyspirit.net no later than one week prior and mail your check to the church, attention Altar Guild. The suggested donation amount remains at $35 per offering.
It will be lovely to have flowers on the altar every week. Thank you for your donation.
It will be lovely to have flowers on the altar every week. Thank you for your donation.
We are modifying some of the CHS Lay Ministries to enable more parishioners to serve again in our current Hybrid (worship in-person & virtual) environment:
Please note that the following lay ministries will continue to remain temporarily paused: Acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV), and Counters.
The next scheduling period will be from February 7th through April 25th. Please update your availability in Ministry Schedule Pro (MSP) by Wednesday, January 28th. We will generate the new schedule Thusday morning, January 29th.
- 1st Reader / Psalm – can be virtual or in-person. Reads the Old Testament Reading and The Psalm.
- 2nd Reader / Intercessor – can be virtual or in-person. Reads The Epistle and The Intercessory Prayer.
- Prayers of the People Responder – can be virtual or in-person. This lay minister will be un-muted, if virtual, or given a microphone, if in-person. They voice the People's responses (italicized) after the Intercessor voices the People's petitions. If you have been a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM), we are hoping you will temporarily serve as Responder to the Prayers of the People.
- Usher/Greeter – Serves in-person. We have combined the Ushers and Greeters. This lay minister is changing the most. She/he will be stationed at a control console located in the sanctuary and will:
>Welcome parishioners and visitors joining the Zoom or arriving in person
>Control which camera feed is being broadcast
>Aim moveable camera(s) upon different subjects (for example, the congregation, musician, preacher) - Altar Guild - in-person. Prepares the sanctuary for Sunday worship.
Please note that the following lay ministries will continue to remain temporarily paused: Acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV), and Counters.
The next scheduling period will be from February 7th through April 25th. Please update your availability in Ministry Schedule Pro (MSP) by Wednesday, January 28th. We will generate the new schedule Thusday morning, January 29th.
Calling All Knitters and Crocheters
Since the onset of the pandemic, the Shawl Ministry at the NJ Women's Prison has been shut down. No shawls are currently being made by the inmates of the prison. Consequently, our stock of shawls for distribution by CHS to persons in need has been almost totally depleted. If you are a knitter or crocheter, think about picking up your needles and hooks to help replenish our supply. Yarn is available in the hallway bins adjacent to the church office. If you need patterns or advice (or encouragement), ask any member of the Prayer Shawl Prison Ministry: John Andrews, Susan Kane, Vicki Brooks, Diane Bendahmane, Karen Murray, Roberta Maas, Judy Linger, Carol Crawford Jones, Anne Simpson, Dot Hospador, and Father Philip. Unleash your creativity and help the Shawl Ministry through this tough period. You will be glad you did.
Fanta's Food Train
At this time, Fanta is experiencing fatigue throughout the day, but the Food Train doesn't seem to be meeting the needs of the family
Fanta and her family do need your help...
The head of our adopted family is anxious to teach her children about their culinary heritage and much of our American foods don’t suit. Therefore we are putting a temporary hold on the Meal Train. Many thanks to all who contributed.
There is a dire need for ShopRite gift cards. The family will then be able to purchase the ingredients and create the foods they really enjoy.
Susan Kane will be happy to pass ShopRite Gift Cards that you bring /send to her on to the family. They will all be very appreciative.
There is a dire need for ShopRite gift cards. The family will then be able to purchase the ingredients and create the foods they really enjoy.
Susan Kane will be happy to pass ShopRite Gift Cards that you bring /send to her on to the family. They will all be very appreciative.
Dear Friends,
The only way through is through.
I am asking for assistance to develop our worship life in a hybrid environment.
With great technical help, and generous donations, we are becoming more adept at broadcasting our worship over the internet and integrated those at home with those capable of coming to in-person worship at Haytown Road.
We are slowly creeping up the learning curve and all of you have been most patient. Every week, we have an unanticipated technical breakdown and its different and adds to the helplessness of the moment. However, with constancy and devotion, we lumber on.
That said, we are looking to bouncing forward, not merely bouncing back.
Even when the pandemic is over, hybrid worship is here for good. The reality is, there will never be another "snow day." (Sorry kids- school ain't never gonna be canceled again!) There will be Sunday worship even on bad weather days cause there will always be internet broadcasts, even if from my
"basement chapel."
So who's up for helping? We will begin with a creative conversation on Zoom, of course. A date will be announced to those who respond directly to me.
In the short run, we are also looking for vocalists to join our merry band - we are healthfully separated using mics in different spaces safely for all concerned. It’s is our good fortune to have a modern worship space that allows for safe public worship. AND - remember, as always, no one should feel in any way pressured about coming here live. Please stay home as only you can know best. With folks only singing along softly in their masks, it's nice to have a PA system sharing the lyrics with a few voices, and if we had some harmony there, it would be great. In the future, post-pandemic world, we're still going to want to broadcast hymn singing for those at home, so we are not just filling in temporarily. This is a long term adaptation. And it will grow the mission of this church.
Pardon for the bluntness here, but I know the world sucks right now and for a bunch of reasons and all at once. Some days I just want to pull the covers up and hide for four months. But even so, we must rally, as we are able. I have no idea what a "choir" looks like in the future. One will have to be rebuilt here. Among other things. Our worship will need to emphasize the power and resilience of what a common life in Christ can build in the midst of chaos and calamity.
Resolve. Mindfulness. Courage. Tenacity. How are these exhibited in our gatherings, our common prayers and ritual actions? The unity of being one body in Christ is threatened. The integrity of the witness of Jesus in the Gospels is put to the test and some are understandably confused by disparate messengers. The Church has been here before. We stand in the long train of the faithful, living through Nero, Caligula, and Diocletian, any number of plagues, the Dark Ages, and more. We are reminded of their faithfulness and steadfast hope.
So for those who want a stake in the shape of this worshiping life, give me a shout. As goes worship, so too outreach, and stewardship, and formation, and all of it. All of it (us) will be bouncing forward. We might not know what reshaping our ministries will look like except that they will all look more like Christ.
The only way through is through.
Philip+
The only way through is through.
I am asking for assistance to develop our worship life in a hybrid environment.
With great technical help, and generous donations, we are becoming more adept at broadcasting our worship over the internet and integrated those at home with those capable of coming to in-person worship at Haytown Road.
We are slowly creeping up the learning curve and all of you have been most patient. Every week, we have an unanticipated technical breakdown and its different and adds to the helplessness of the moment. However, with constancy and devotion, we lumber on.
That said, we are looking to bouncing forward, not merely bouncing back.
Even when the pandemic is over, hybrid worship is here for good. The reality is, there will never be another "snow day." (Sorry kids- school ain't never gonna be canceled again!) There will be Sunday worship even on bad weather days cause there will always be internet broadcasts, even if from my
"basement chapel."
So who's up for helping? We will begin with a creative conversation on Zoom, of course. A date will be announced to those who respond directly to me.
In the short run, we are also looking for vocalists to join our merry band - we are healthfully separated using mics in different spaces safely for all concerned. It’s is our good fortune to have a modern worship space that allows for safe public worship. AND - remember, as always, no one should feel in any way pressured about coming here live. Please stay home as only you can know best. With folks only singing along softly in their masks, it's nice to have a PA system sharing the lyrics with a few voices, and if we had some harmony there, it would be great. In the future, post-pandemic world, we're still going to want to broadcast hymn singing for those at home, so we are not just filling in temporarily. This is a long term adaptation. And it will grow the mission of this church.
Pardon for the bluntness here, but I know the world sucks right now and for a bunch of reasons and all at once. Some days I just want to pull the covers up and hide for four months. But even so, we must rally, as we are able. I have no idea what a "choir" looks like in the future. One will have to be rebuilt here. Among other things. Our worship will need to emphasize the power and resilience of what a common life in Christ can build in the midst of chaos and calamity.
Resolve. Mindfulness. Courage. Tenacity. How are these exhibited in our gatherings, our common prayers and ritual actions? The unity of being one body in Christ is threatened. The integrity of the witness of Jesus in the Gospels is put to the test and some are understandably confused by disparate messengers. The Church has been here before. We stand in the long train of the faithful, living through Nero, Caligula, and Diocletian, any number of plagues, the Dark Ages, and more. We are reminded of their faithfulness and steadfast hope.
So for those who want a stake in the shape of this worshiping life, give me a shout. As goes worship, so too outreach, and stewardship, and formation, and all of it. All of it (us) will be bouncing forward. We might not know what reshaping our ministries will look like except that they will all look more like Christ.
The only way through is through.
Philip+
Dear friends,
We recently received a letter from the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, thanking us for donating nearly 700 pounds of food in 2020. This was a great achievement, because COVID made everything so very difficult!! To continue our generosity, please consider donating canned soup, pasta, or vegetables for the next two months. Also, if you are fortunate to receive a free ham or frozen lasagna from a grocery store, the Food Pantry will gladly accept the donation (they have freezers and fridges). Personal toiletries, diapers, and even gift cards are most welcome. Katie and I will be glad to deliver your donations. We gave them 130 pounds of food recently, and they were so delighted, because donations continue to be fewer than usual. Thank you so very much for your kind support.
Suzanne and Katie Higgins
You can bring groceries to CHS or to the Open Cupboard in Clinton. [If it’s more convenient, send a check or ShopRite gift card to the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, 37 Old Highway 22, PO Box 5071, Clinton 08809.]
We recently received a letter from the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, thanking us for donating nearly 700 pounds of food in 2020. This was a great achievement, because COVID made everything so very difficult!! To continue our generosity, please consider donating canned soup, pasta, or vegetables for the next two months. Also, if you are fortunate to receive a free ham or frozen lasagna from a grocery store, the Food Pantry will gladly accept the donation (they have freezers and fridges). Personal toiletries, diapers, and even gift cards are most welcome. Katie and I will be glad to deliver your donations. We gave them 130 pounds of food recently, and they were so delighted, because donations continue to be fewer than usual. Thank you so very much for your kind support.
Suzanne and Katie Higgins
You can bring groceries to CHS or to the Open Cupboard in Clinton. [If it’s more convenient, send a check or ShopRite gift card to the Open Cupboard Food Pantry, 37 Old Highway 22, PO Box 5071, Clinton 08809.]
Generally, the pandemic has everyone short of nerve, and easily annoyed. The stress factor is obviously carried from the personal to group behavior. As pastor, I am asking for additional effort be expended to ensure we establish and maintain a gracious gathering across the many small groups that take place. On top of the COVID factor, there is the challenge of an internet environment under which we exist in small groups which subject us to further risk of disharmony and disaffection.
General ethos:
1. Our small groups do not gather to group think. It is not our goal to agree. The natural tendency in these conflictual times is to long for agreement and to be annoyed should that not occur. Be reminded that our goal is simply to share and listen. Then we move along, without anxiety, should the conservation reach a dead end. “OK then. What’s next?” is a helpful mantra.
2. If we are not agreed with, there is no reason to take it personally. That would be unhelpful. Humans can disagree without being disagreeable. A lighthearted, taking -ourselves-less-seriously approach is the only approach. On this, you should all agree (kidding)!
Tech Considerations:
Generally:
It takes intentionality to be gracious, forbearing other’s verbal and technical trespassing, and being present to a group through the flawed medium of internet communications. Intentional graciousness, happily enough, is a charism well known and practiced among us already. We just need to dial it up.
Philip+
General ethos:
1. Our small groups do not gather to group think. It is not our goal to agree. The natural tendency in these conflictual times is to long for agreement and to be annoyed should that not occur. Be reminded that our goal is simply to share and listen. Then we move along, without anxiety, should the conservation reach a dead end. “OK then. What’s next?” is a helpful mantra.
2. If we are not agreed with, there is no reason to take it personally. That would be unhelpful. Humans can disagree without being disagreeable. A lighthearted, taking -ourselves-less-seriously approach is the only approach. On this, you should all agree (kidding)!
Tech Considerations:
- Zoom meetings are deeply flawed. It takes work to be gracious and Zoom makes it easy to be rude. Rudeness happens when we fail to mute ourselves when not talking. We should practice muting regularly. There is no reason to have an open mic. Muting ourselves is a gracious and spiritual task. Think of it as an important pause to collect your thoughts. It might make our sharing more meaningful. For those who enjoy more spontaneous conversation, we shall have to modify our behavior in this environment and see if we find some benefit through the discomfort of it all.
- It is easy to talk over each other, or to suffer through awkward pauses, etc. If we intend to pass the conversation off to one person, we need to declare it explicitly. On the other hand, if it is an open question to the whole group, then we should allow for folks to jumble along and it will eventually clear up. Asking someone else, “Sorry if I jumped in, did you finish your point?” is good etiquette. If you get offended because someone talked over you, that would be taking it personally and that won’t help. Better to chime in later, “I wanted to finish by adding . . .” and express yourself.
Generally:
It takes intentionality to be gracious, forbearing other’s verbal and technical trespassing, and being present to a group through the flawed medium of internet communications. Intentional graciousness, happily enough, is a charism well known and practiced among us already. We just need to dial it up.
Philip+
To take advantage of this time apart, some in our parish have expressed an interest in using this time to gain remotely a new skill, strengthen an existing talent, investigate a new hobby, or delve deeper into a new area of interest. Some lack the motivation to do so or don’t know where to start.
Now live - the CHS School is linked under Formation on the menu and includes links to the current offerings!
This is an opportunity for all ages to teach and learn!
Recognizing that many among us may have gifts and graces to share with others, Judy Linger has agreed to help match folks with remote “classes” (applied loosely) to offer, with members interested in growth.
Some examples: Marge Keller agreed to help with learning conversational Spanish if the interest is there. Fr. Phil indicated he’s willing to broaden our understanding of The Book of Common Prayer. Perhaps one of our gifted photographers could help us improve our photo compositions. Any history buffs interested it sharing fun facts, especially regarding local sights? All done remotely, of course.
To kickstart this effort, please leave your thoughts about what you can share and when you are available with judy.linger@gmail.com. It need be no more than one or two sessions but might continue as long as interest remains and folks are willing to teach or learn.
It’s true that much can be learned through YouTube or the Internet these days but such offers no opportunity for back and forth dialogue. Our current separation makes human interaction so much more precious and meaningful. As Fr Phil stated Sunday, interacting remotely when we know each other yields rewards we don’t anticipate
To get your creative juices flowing, here are some suggestions for “classes” you might like to teach or join:
Do you knit? Crochet? Do origami? Paint or sculpt? Scrapbook? Quilt? Bake? Do you want to learn how to tie beautiful bows for packages? Arrange scarves to good effect? Play the recorder? The harmonica? We can take advantage of our access to shared on-line programs like Zoom to connect safely with others in meaningful ways. God gives us the talent. Why waste it?
Some examples: Marge Keller agreed to help with learning conversational Spanish if the interest is there. Fr. Phil indicated he’s willing to broaden our understanding of The Book of Common Prayer. Perhaps one of our gifted photographers could help us improve our photo compositions. Any history buffs interested it sharing fun facts, especially regarding local sights? All done remotely, of course.
To kickstart this effort, please leave your thoughts about what you can share and when you are available with judy.linger@gmail.com. It need be no more than one or two sessions but might continue as long as interest remains and folks are willing to teach or learn.
It’s true that much can be learned through YouTube or the Internet these days but such offers no opportunity for back and forth dialogue. Our current separation makes human interaction so much more precious and meaningful. As Fr Phil stated Sunday, interacting remotely when we know each other yields rewards we don’t anticipate
To get your creative juices flowing, here are some suggestions for “classes” you might like to teach or join:
Do you knit? Crochet? Do origami? Paint or sculpt? Scrapbook? Quilt? Bake? Do you want to learn how to tie beautiful bows for packages? Arrange scarves to good effect? Play the recorder? The harmonica? We can take advantage of our access to shared on-line programs like Zoom to connect safely with others in meaningful ways. God gives us the talent. Why waste it?
From the Church of England's "Thy Kingdom Come" website, resources for the family during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The last few months have certainly looked very different to normal. For many families, there has been more time to spend together and with the summer holidays swiftly approaching, we wanted to share some of our favourite family based resources with you. Our hope is that you can grow in faith as a family during this time.
Family Adventure Prayer Map
Did you get to complete our Family Adventure Prayer Map? If you haven't, why don't you try it over the summer? If you have, you could try it again and go deeper! Click on the image to find the map!
Family Prayer Adventure Podcast
The Family Prayer Adventure podcasts are a fun and engaging way to help families pray together. At 10-12 minutes long, they feature a game, an interactive Bible story, a chance to pray and great music. Click on the image to hear the podcasts!
Prayer Journal
Have you got young people in your household? Why not encourage them to work through the devotional series in this year's Prayer Journal which explores the theme 'The Fathers Love'. Click on the image to find the journal.
Further Ideas
'Bright Ideas for Families' has some creative and fun activities to help families pray together, such as pebble prayers or rocket prayers! Click here to see more >
Further Ideas
'Bright Ideas for Families' has some creative and fun activities to help families pray together, such as pebble prayers or rocket prayers! Click here to see more >
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