2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING MAY 5, 2024 | 11:00 am

Dear Friends,

GReetinG fRom ouR ReCtoR

I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.

Ephesians 3:16-17

LEGO was a new acronym I learned from The Revd. Dr. Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, at the Episcopal Parish Network conference last year. He said that lay ministry, which all Christians are called to through baptism, usually takes the form of Liturgy, Exercising (one’s vocations outside of church, e.g., as a nurse, teacher, parent, artist), Governance, or Outreach. This Annual Report tells that story in our context.

As you read through this report, which is streamlined with more graphics this year, you will see the names of our many leaders and ministers who serve through worship and music; nurturing the “new and next generation;” engaging adult education and fellowship; supporting the wider community and world; stewarding our finances, buildings and grounds; sharing the good news of God’s work in this church and inviting people to “come and see” through our robust communications and online presence.

Governance is an essential lay ministry in Episcopal churches. We are grateful to the five people running for Vestry, a Delegate and two Alternates to attend the Diocese of Newark Convention in November, and the slate for the next Nominating Committee, who will invite people to consider this ministry next year. Thank you to this year’s Nominating Committee, chaired by Diane Cabush.

Your faithfulness, hospitality, and creativity make this church thrive. We are growing, welcoming, and increasing our impact. Jesus’ love roots us and enables us to branch out, grounds us and works through us. Being part of a church community gives us a faith foundation, the gift of intergenerational relationships, and supports us in exercising our varied ministries through our lives and work. This is what the world needs today.

Blessings,

The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass 12th Rector

tAble of Contents

Rector’s Greeting Page 3

Meeting Agenda Page 5

RECTORS & WARDENS

Rector’s Report Pages 7 - 8

Assistant Rector’s Report Pages 8 - 9

Senior Warden’s Report Pages 10 -11

Junior Warden’s Report Page 11

WORSHIP & MUSIC

Worship Committee Page 13

Music Pages 14 - 15

Altar Guild Page 16

Usher Guild Page 16

Sidesman Page 17

Lay Readers Page 17

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES

Youth Ministries Pages 18 - 19

Family Ministries Page 20

Christ Church Nursery School Page 21

Scouts Page 21

EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP

Education for Ministry Page 23

Church History Discussion Group Page 23

Parish Life Page 24

Interweave Page 24

Coffee Hour Page 25

Lunch Bunch Page 25

Martha & Mary! Page 25

The Thursday Group Page 26

OUTREACH

Outreach Grants Page 28

Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges Page 29

ADMINISTRATION

Treasurer’s Report Pages 32 - 33

Investment Committee Pages 34 - 35

Stewardship Committee Page 36

Roll of Pledgers Page 37

Communications Committee Page 38

Buildings & Grounds Committee Page 39

ChRist ChuRCh in shoRt hills

AnnuAl meetinG

AGendA mAy 5, 2024

At the ConClusion of the 8:00Am WoRship seRviCe

I. Call to Order The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass Rector Diane Cabush Chair, Nominating Committee

II. Announcement of Candidates The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass

III. Voting Procedures / The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass Polls Open*

ContinuinG in pARish hAll At 11:00Am

IV. Opening Prayer Rev. Paul Keene Asst. Rector

V. Treasurer’s Report Jacob Cherian

VI. Senior Warden’s Report Arnold Peinado

VII. Asst. Rector’s Report The Rev. Paul Keene

VIII. Rector’s Report The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass

IX. Election Results Nominating Committee

X. Concluding Prayer The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass

* Note: Voting will be conducted between 8:30 and 9:00 and between 11:00 and 11:30.

Rectors & Wardens

Rector’s Report

The Rev. A Bowie Snodgrass

2023 was a full and wonderful year! In many ways, it was a pivot from the preceding years of transition and pandemic to stability and new growth. We celebrated and began to live into our 140th Anniversary motto, “Deeply Rooted, Branching Out.”

In January, the vestry had a full-day retreat with Katie Ong, a consultant who helped us identify areas where we want to grow and strategic goals for the next few years. A vestry sub-committee streamlined our key goals to one page, which we shared with the parish at an enthusiastic Town Hall in October. We will be focusing next on implementation: creating a timeline and working groups, and helping these goals become parishwide initiatives.

April was the culmination of our 140th celebrations, coordinated by Senior Warden, Sarah Rosen, with a large committee working on various aspects. Our Gala, chaired by Patricia Shewmaker, at the Short Hills Club was attended by more than 100 people, including the Bishop and Mayor, with a silent and live auction, dinner and dancing. The following day, we dedicated three new swamp oak trees planted in the front yard of the church. The weekend concluded with a thrilling public performance of “The Requiem of Gabriel Fauré: A Concert of Remembrance,” conducted by George Mathew, with Dr. Andrew Moore as organist, a professional orchestra, the Christ Church Festival Choir, and singers from local synagogues and churches.

Through the Gala and affiliated gifts, we raised more than $140,000 for music, grounds, outreach, and digital connections/online ministry. Part of the funds were used to purchase a 2015 Steinway Model A grand piano for the sanctuary (replacing a Model A purchased by the church in 1911). We are working to develop a long-term master plan for the church grounds including native plants, sustainable gardens, and new trees. Outreach funds are supporting Trinity and St. Philip’s

Cathedral in Newark, the Clergy Discretionary Fund, and youth community engagement. We are making upgrades to the A/V system in the sanctuary, installing a video conference system in the St. Mark’s Room, and investing in online engagement.

Over the course of the year, we had many guest preachers, including Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz, Senior Rabbi at Temple B’nai Jeshurn; the Rev. Eyesha Marable, Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church of Millburn; and Rev. George Dredden from the Cathedral. Our choir went to the Cathedral in Newark for an Evensong for Lent. We also heard a powerful word from Melissa Bristol, who won a preaching engagement at the Gala!

Throughout the winter and spring, my highest priority was continuing the search for a new Assistant Rector. I had a strong pool of candidates, but was clear that the Rev. Paul Keene was my top choice and I rejoiced when he accepted the position! He has been a great addition to Christ Church and his priestly ordination in December was truly a highlight of the year.

I am deeply grateful to the Rev. Canon Robert Griner for being with us from September 2022

through January 2024. He is an amazing preacher with a super sense of humor. Father Robert assisted with worship, pastoral care, and adult formation throughout his time with us and served with Rev. Paul during my sabbatical. We are glad he is still nearby, serving as Associate Rector at Grace Church in Madison, NJ.

After seven years at Christ Church, I was grateful for the vestry’s support in taking a sabbatical. I traveled over the summer with my family to explore our Anglican heritage in India and Singapore, visiting churches and cathedrals where my husband’s family have served as clergy. We also joined the Choir Residency at Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals. I posted photos from more than a dozen “Sabbatical Stops” on Facebook and Instagram through the summer and shared a slideshow at a forum in the fall.

Part of my ministry as rector is being involved with the wider church. I am on the Planning Team for the Episcopal Parish Network and planned a workshop for the annual conference in March with Margo Gurnsey, producer and director of The Philadelphia Eleven Film, and Cynthia McChesney, Missioner for Stewardship in the Diocese of Newark. Sarah Rosen also attended and we enjoyed a breakfast reminiscing with The Rev. James Cooper, son of our former rector, The Rev. Herbert Cooper.

As Diocesan Service, I continued serving on

Assistant Rector’s Report

The Rev. Paul Keene

Every year we have the great opportunity to offer a reflection of the year that has passed. And every year our church, without doubt, will have done much to fulfill God’s mission in the world and to heed Christ’s commission—to be his hands and feet, to feed his sheep. This year I have the distinct pleasure to reflect how I have, with fresh eyes, seen Christ Church being the Body of Christ in the world.

Jesus calls all his people to be kind, to love one another, to welcome the stranger into their midst

the Commission on Ministry as Chair of the Education Committee. With others from Christ Church and around the Diocese of Newark, I attended Diocesan Convention in February, Clergy Conference in October, and led a retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in November.

Some highlights of my parish ministry included the Family Retreat at Cross Roads, two New Member Welcome Sundays and Moms’ Nights Out as well as leading Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew and the Letter to the Hebrews, and the Christ Church Nursery School chapel and Christmas Services.

I am grateful beyond words to our staff and lay leaders, and excited by our thriving ministry, deepening faith, growing community, and new initiatives!

as if they were Jesus, himself. It is a radical hospitality that he commands; Christ Church is a place of phenomenal welcome and hospitality. I personally attest to the spirit of kindness and friendship that our church cultivates within its walls, a spirit that pours forth from its doors. Since my arrival here in June, I have found Christ Church to be a homecoming. It has been easy to settle in and to feel a part of the 141-year history of this place and people. It is no wonder to me that we are seeing so many new faces and making so many new friends. Alleluia!

Christ Church’s spirit and charism of hospitality was truly visible for all to see on December 16th when we welcomed Bishop Hughes, people from all over the diocese, and the larger Church for my ordination to the priesthood. Thank you! It is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life; I pray—though not for my sake—that this church will, too. God willing, we will remember how we opened the doors and welcomed all who came; we will remember the generosity we practiced and showed; we will remember the holy worship that happened; and we will remember the way we went into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit to love and serve the Lord, and all of God’s people. May we carry this Spirit forward and know it is a gift from God and that we can share it with everyone.

You are a people who love to learn. You have deep questions—marvelous questions; and you ask them well and boldly. The proliferation of Education for Ministry (EFM), regular book groups, thriving Bible Studies, and a history of diverse and well-attended 11:15am forums attest to your love of learning. So, too, does the quick success of Holy Grounds which began last Fall. Since my time here we have seen an in-depth reading of the Letter to the Hebrews and the Letter to the Ephesians, a thorough exploration of Jesus’ parables, deep reflections on Sabbath and thanksgiving, a prayerful analysis of the Lord’s Prayer, as well as a forum that explored Biblical naming conventions. I have seen and heard from participants in these programs the ways that

their faith has been impacted by having varied programming and comfortable spaces in which to explore our faith with others.

“Exploring faith with others” might well be the thesis with which I have approached all the programming I’ve introduced to Christ Church in the brief time I’ve been here. Whether it be worship, learning, or gathering events such as the Advent Wreath Making Dinner, my prayer is always that we might explore our faith together, find it deepened by the Holy Spirit, and learn how our love for one another and our God increases as we come to know Jesus Christ our Savior more and more. It is with that in mind that both Faith and Film and daily morning prayer were introduced. Both offerings have steadily grown since their inception.

Christ Church finds itself at the threshold of a great moment in its life. Truly we are growing our roots deeper and reaching out with our branches further than ever before. There is an effusive and inescapable joy in this place and among its people. It’s tangible! The moment folks walk through the door they feel it. It’s catching on us; and we’re taking that joy into the world. More and more, we are taking on Christ and being his hands andwherever we find ourselves. Thanks be to God.

Senior Warden’s Report

Arnie Peinado

I am privileged and honored to have served as Senior Warden of Christ Church for this past year.

I am also pleased to confirm to the parish that Christ Church continues to have very positive momentum and the potential to be stronger than ever. Christ Church is blessed with talented and effective leadership, having Rev. Bowie Snodgrass at the helm, Dara Near as Junior Warden and a supportive and engaged vestry and staff. Christ Church is also fortunate to have a group of dedicated parishioners who genuinely care for each other and are willing to fully engage in parish life and serve Christ Church in a wide variety of ways for the good of fellow members.

I feel that Rev. Bowie, Dara, our excellent church staff and I have been a good team whose complimentary skills and strengths have served the parish well. It has also been wonderful to have Rev. Paul Keene join our clergy team as Assistant Rector. Rev. Paul’s ordination in December was joyous, his passion for our church and his faith is infectious, and his sermons have been inspiring. We continue to be exceedingly blessed that Rev. Bowie accepted the call of Christ Church to be our Rector.

The good news for Christ Church is that attendance continues to be strong. During 2023, the church maintained average Sunday attendance levels of 104 (88 in person and approximately 16 online), comparable to prepandemic attendance numbers. Thanks to our very able tech team and our broadcast platform in the sanctuary, our principal Sunday services are being offered in hybrid mode with increasing online attendance. Interestingly, Christ Church is becoming more of a regional parish, now drawing 1/3 of its membership from 18 towns within 20 minutes of Millburn-Short Hills. These people will tell you that they are drawn to Christ Church by the breadth of our program offerings as well as our welcoming attitude.

Even stronger evidence of something good happening at Christ Church is strong attendance on Easter Sunday. Easter 2024 church attendance was 382 participants (310 in person and 72 online). Adding to that is that Christ Church nursery school is currently at capacity at 166 students (150 students last school year). Finally, I am excited to report that 19 new families (a total of 51 new parishioners counting spouses and kids) have joined the church since the beginning of 2023. The Holy Spirit is at work at Christ Church!

Continuing with the ideas generated in connection with our 140th Anniversary last year and the theme of Deeply Rooted, Branching Out, the vestry led a well-attended Town Hall in late October 2023 to present proposed strategic goals for the parish for the next several years. The specific goals are in the areas of: 1) Nurturing Leadership, 2) Connecting Generations, 3) Engaging Community, 4) Digital Connections, and 5) Outreach. Thank you to all who contributed to the development of these goals over the past six years and to all who participated in the Town Hall. There was and is a great deal of parish enthusiasm to support and implement these goals!

As we move forward, we need to harness the goodwill and energy generated by last year’s anniversary celebration and continue to be a welcoming Christian community that includes all of us and all those who come as potential members.

We also need to be open to the presence of the Holy Spirit to help us to identify opportunities, both large and small, to share our gifts.

I am confident that the balance of 2024 will continue to be a period where our parishioners fully embrace in-church and in-person worship

Junior Warden’s Report

Dara Near

It is with a very glad heart that I report on the annual health of our beloved Christ Church from the perspective of your Junior Warden. In brief, we are in quite excellent shape! That is spiritually, financially, administratively, musically and charitably. In gratitude for all these gifts, we strive to be a positive resource in our community in many ways. But first, a brief description of the role of Junior Warden: The Episcopal Church has flexibility in how wardens are selected and responsibilities assigned. At Christ Church, the rector invites and nominates a Senior and Junior Warden to assist with convening and presiding over monthly vestry meetings; to support the rector in guiding the spiritual health of the congregation; and to communicate openly with the congregation about administrative and maintenance matters related to our properties. We wardens share responsibilities and, as Junior Warden, I am specifically focused on matters related to Stewardship, Christ Church Nursery School, Outreach Grants, and Personnel. There will be detailed reports from the chairs of these committees in this annual report, but I can confirm that we are in a strong position in literally every one of these areas: record pledging last year; a fully attended, financially sound, and highly regarded nursery school; and an active and engaged Outreach Committee with a clearly stated mission. I am most happy to report that we are truly blessed to have the talented and committed lay staff and clergy that we now have in place here at Christ Church. Last summer and this February, Rev. Bowie was able to take her sabbatical and come back refreshed, energized and looking to make progress in several areas. Rev.Bowie, Rev. Paul, Arnie and I were all able to attend the

and group activities, complimented by a strong online presence, which will facilitate a deepening of our individual and collective faith. This will enrich our parish wide Christ Church experience and strengthen our outreach to our local, national and international community.

Episcopal Parish Network Annual Meeting last month. It was gratifying to learn from, and get to know, so many talented and committed fellow Episcopalians doing tremendous work. Did you know the largest Episcopal Church is based in Houston with over 10,000 parishioners?!

We wardens meet at least every other week with Rev. Bowie to discuss regular business matters and also new plans and projects that we wish to undertake. This past year, the vestry made real progress on determining and refining our Strategic Goals (Nurturing Leadership, Connecting Generations, Engaging Community, Digital Connections, Outreach) and will continue to develop action steps in the coming months. The funds raised at the Gala last spring are going towards several exciting projects, already in various planning stages: enhancing our beautiful grounds; improving our digital and technical communication abilities; supporting our music program; and expanding outreach to our community. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful, engaged church; and look forward to marshaling our many gifts to make a positive contribution to our community.

Worship & Music

Worship Committee

Diane Cabush, Chair

The Worship Committee is composed of the heads of the Acolytes, Altar Guild, Canterbury Choir, Lay Readers, Sidespersons, Ushers, Choir Master and Organist, Program Staff, Wardens, Vestry Liaison, and Committee Chair. We meet to plan and orchestrate the worship experiences for the congregation and to address worship-related concerns and proposals.

In 2023, we offered both in-person and livestreamed worship services. We continue to increase our online presence and have been able to connect with a broader cross-section of worshippers: those who have moved, those who are infirmed and not able to attend in person, and those who find it easier on their schedules to attend “on demand.”

On July 1, we welcomed the Rev. Deacon Paul Keene as our Assistant Rector and on December 16, 2023, we celebrated his ordination to the Priesthood. The Rev. Canon Robert Griner continued to serve as our Assisting Priest while our rector, the Rev. Bowie Snodgrass was on sabbatical in July and August of 2023.

The choir traveled to England to sing Evensong at the Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals from July 27-August 7. The choir also sang Evensong at the Trinity & St Philip’s Cathedral in Newark on March 12, the Faure Requiem at Christ Church on April 23, and the All Saints/Cooper Memorial Evensong on November 5.

Additionally, Christ Church welcomed eight guest preachers in 2023: The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg (twice), the Rev. Eyesha Marable, Pastor at Mt Zion AME Church, Milburn, Rabbi Matt Gewirtz, Lead Rabbi at Temple B’nai Jeshuran, Short Hills, Sean McConnell, Director of Engagement at Episcopal Relief and Development, The Rev. Ryan Fleenor, Rector at St. Luke’s Church, Darien, CT, our own Melissa Bristol, Amy Crawford, an aspirant for the Priesthood in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, and The Rev. George Dredden, Priest-in-Charge at Trinity & St Philip’s Cathedral, Newark.

Members

The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, The Rev. Paul Keene, The Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson, Sue Bovan, Melissa Bristol, Diane Cabush, Cat DeCiantis, Jean Funk, Paul Funk, Sandra Johnson, Dr. Andrew Moore, Dara Near, Angelica Nwachuku, Arnie Peinado, John Sogliuzzo, Rose Udland, Chris Whitaker.

Music

Dr. Andrew Moore, Organist & Choirmaster

This past year, we welcomed Paul Jacobs, Chair of the Organ Department of the Juilliard School, for a solo recital in May. Mr. Jacobs is considered the finest organist in the United States today. His recital was brilliant, and it truly demonstrated the beauty of the instrument we are blessed to have at Christ Church. The subsequent article and interview by Gaye Torrance for The Organ Magazine shared the importance of the Christ Church organ with the wider world.

This summer, our parish choir sang residencies at both Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals in the UK. I am so proud of the work that they did, and the professional performance level to which they have raised themselves. The support and encouragement of the Deans to return to both cathedrals in the future is a testament to our remarkable Christ Church Choir. Special thanks to Lydia Zapico for her management of the trip finances, and to Brian Harlow for his unwavering and exceptional organ performance.

Thank you to the entire Christ Church staff for all of the support the music program has received with rehearsals, recordings and services of music throughout the year. Thank you to the quartet for continuing to lead us, to the Parish Choir for their commitment and dedication, and to Sue Bovan for her masterful leadership of the Canterbury Choir. This year we also celebrated Rick Marchisio’s 30th year as our tenor soloist on April 21. My deepest thanks to Rick for being the heart and soul of our music program.

We have welcomed several new members to the Parish Choir this year, and we look forward to our residency at Edinburgh Cathedral in July 2025. I am also grateful to all who have supported the purchase of the new Steinway Model A in the nave. I know that the new piano will serve our music program for generations to come.

Accomplishments for 2023/2024

• Video/sound recordings of weekly liturgy.

• Performance of All Saints, Lent and Pentecost Evensongs.

• Performances of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas.

• Canterbury Choir participation on Advent I, the Pageant, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.

• Choral Residencies in Bristol and Salisbury.

• New Choir Robes for Parish Choir.

• Ordination of Paul Keene

• Organ recital of Paul Jacobs Goals for 2024/2025

• Continue to expand membership in all choirs.

• Prepare for choir tour in Edinburgh.

• Commission/install choirs in the fall.

• Expand R. John Cooper Memorial Music Series.

• Re-number Music Library and file all works in acid free boxes.

• Restore Parish Hall Steinway Model B

Members

Richard Appelgren, Charlie Beale, Sue Bovan, Melissa Bristol, Diane Cabush, Libby Clarke, Jessie Eshkol, Jean Funk, Joanne Gordon, Lauren Harrison, Jane Houston, John Lamb, Rick Marchisio, Cynthia McCheney, Deborah Purdon, Eric Roper, Lucy Seligson, Peggy Shilling, Debbie Smith, Adrianne Surgeon, JT Surgeon, Susan Thompson.

Altar Guild

Rose Udland, Chair

The altar guild is a group of ten dedicated parishioners who do the behind the scenes work for our weekly worship, setting the table if you will. We care for the linens, silver, bread and wine, as well as the liturgy and pew books. Four teams perform their duties on a monthly basis. We are always looking to welcome new members to this rewarding ministry.

Highlights of 2023

We have transitioned into a lean and effective group. I am so proud of being part of the Christ Church Short Hills Altar Guild and this wonderful family of support.

Thank you to Lucy Carter, Janell Cerino, Alison Corbin, and Michelle Lesperance for joining the Altar Guild!! You have enriched our group and helped us to function effectively.

If you are interested, please do not hesitate to reach out for more information, Rose Udland, roseudland@gmail.com, 201-709-2248.

Usher Guild

John Sogliuzzo and Paul Funk, Co-Chairs

The Usher Guild is made up of Church members who serve as ushers at the 10:00 am Sunday service. Their main function is to greet and make everyone who attends welcome and comfortable. They also assist in the collection of the Offertory and directing the Congregation to Communion.

There are presently six (6) teams which serve once every 6 weeks. We would certainly welcome new members to join the Guild.

Last year, our ushers welcomed approximately 6,000 visitors, friends and parishioners and made all feel welcome!

Members

Lucy Carter, Janell Cerino, Alison Corbin, Heather Finan, Michelle Lesperance, Emmy McBride, Dana Near, Patricia Shewmaker, Adrianne Surgeon, Rose Udland

Members

John Sogliuzzo, Chuck Nwachuku, Michael Cerino, Paul Funk, Sam Reckford, Sue Reckford, Jonny Canecchia, Ayo Onabule, Reade Kem, Sandra Johnson, Peter Kolonia, Elaine Power, Gary Walz, Peter Bredlau, John Van Der Tuin, Todd Corbin, Don Snow, Michael Murphy, Sarah Rosen, Dara Near, Bob Near and Jessica Guo.

Sidesmen

Sandra Johnson, Chair

At Christ Church in Short Hills, it has been our custom to call the lay minister who assists the clergy during the service, a “Sidesman.” They are often referred to as “Eucharistic Ministers” or “Chalicists” at other Episcopal churches. The Sidesmen assist the minister by carrying and holding the Gospel Book during the Gospel reading, helping to feed people of God with the Body and Blood of Christ by serving wine during the Eucharistic portion of the service and generally assisting the clergy during the worship. Sidesmen are nominated by the rector.

In January 2023, we revived the custom of an annual Sidesman’s dinner which is an opportunity

Lay Readers

Melissa Bristol, Chair

Our devoted members read the lessons and lead the prayers of the people during our Sunday worship and at special services. It is a terrific way to engage with scripture (one of the foundations, of course, of our shared faith), with our fellow parishioners, and to delve into our Anglican tradition of prayer. We literally could not have our services without the participation of our cadre of readers. With a flexible commitment that, due to our numbers, usually means a commitment of only one Sunday every month or two, it is a ministry that can fit easily into busy lives. We hold annual orientations and trainings, but welcome new readers at any time. We hope to add an end of the year get-together to strengthen our identity as a group, and to get to know each other better (as it is a somewhat individual ministry at times). Some of our highlights in 2023 were the inclusion of youth readers and of Millburn’s Mayor in Lessons and Carols, in keeping with Anglican tradition. We hope to continue these highlights in 2024. We had another successful Holy Week 2023, along with a wonderful Christmas, and were also blessed with many new readers joining

for the group to meet with the rector for a discussion of their ministry. All of the sidesman currently serving are very active in multiple ministries at Christ Church and in the wider world Sidesmen:

Arnie Peinado, Adaeze Nwachuku, Diane Cabush, Ayo Onabule, Gary Shilling, Jim Sammartino, Joanne Gordon, Juli Towell, Patricia Shewmaker, Sam Reckford, Sarah Rosen, Scott Chastain and Yvonne Adighibe.

our ranks. We would of course love to hear as many new voices join us as possible!

Volunteers:

Yvonne Adighibe, Noah Andrews, Peggy Baggely, Sue Bovan, Melissa Bristol, Diane Cabush, Libby Clarke, Bobbi Engler, Terry Finan, Maren Finan, Dendy Franco, William Horbatt, Shirley Horbatt, Jane Houston, Sandra Johnson, Rob Kao, John Lamb, George Mathew, Jim McBride, Cynthia McChesney, Adaeze Nwachuku, Chuck Nwachuku, Ayo Onabule, Sam Reckford, Eric Roper, Sarah Rosen, John Sogluizzo, Don Syracuse, Juli Towell, Lucy Seligson, Jennifer Vinsonhaler, and Gary Walz.

Children, Youth & Families

Youth Ministries

Chris Whitaker

The youth ministry at Christ Church aims to fully integrate young people into the life of the church. In 2023, the youth participated in various activities that involved volunteering with organizations such as Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, serving during SpringServing and ThankServing Days, and compiling care packages for college students during finals. The youth also served as lay readers, ushers, and acolytes throughout the year and attended youth group events at Christ Church and throughout the diocese.

In April 2023, seven youth were confirmed at Calvary Church in Summit by Bishop Hughes. These youth were: Claire Balady, Eli Balady, Tom Bredlau, Haddon Finan, Chinwe Orjiekwe, Andy Seligson, and Jack Shea.

In June 2023, the church celebrated its young people during Youth Sunday. The event involved honoring high school and college graduates and awarding the Betty F. and H.L. White Scholarship to Grace Bardello, Caroline Davis, and William Knoll-Finn. Graduating seniors Grace Bardello and William Knoll-Finn preached during the worship service.

Catherine DeCiantis received the The Louis J. Batzle Award and Angelica Nwachuku received the J. David Everard Award as outstanding members of the junior class. The Suzanne Emerson Award for outstanding confirmand was awarded to Haddon Finan.

In the summer of 2023, several Christ Church youth attended the California Youth Pilgrimage, exploring the Spanish missions from San Diego to San Francisco. The Youth Pilgrims included Jack Ebert, Haddon Finan, Maren Finan, William Knoll-Finn, Andy Seligson, and Jack Shea. Serving as chaperones for the group were Chris Whitaker and The Rev. Elizabeth Ivell, then Associate Rector of St. Peter’s, Morristown.

We look forward to sending a group of young people to the general convention in June 2024 to be held in Louisville, Kentucky.

Family Ministries

The Rev. Dr. R. Kevin Johnson

Family Ministries at Christ Church seeks to provide a safe, loving, and encouraging environment for children to learn and grow in Christian faith. Sunday School is the space where children learn biblical stories using Godly Play and the lectionary cycle. Worship with the larger community of faith is an opportunity for children to learn the sacred actions of worship and to receive the Eucharist alongside their parents, grandparents, and friends. Throughout the year there are special events to nurture children and their parents. We are proud to be a community learning to worship, grow, and serve.

In 2023 our first Family Retreat at Crossroads Camp allowed parents and children the chance to engage with one another around good conversation, fun learning, and excellent food. Our Communion Enrichment Class at the beginning of the year gave our youngest members orientation to the Eucharist and the symbols of Christian worship in the Anglican tradition. Shrove Tuesdays is always a treat as we feast on pancakes and create an Alleluia banner for use on Easter Sunday.

Other highlights of the year include:

• Worship, learning, and recreation at Crossroads Summer Camp joining with other children and youth from Lutheran and Episcopal churches in Northern New Jersey.

• Parents’ Nights Out at Back-to-School time.

• Our annual Easter Egg Hunt where children are challenged to find 1100 eggs around the church property.

• Advent Wreath Making and Carol Singing with the whole parish family.

• The Christ Church Christmas Pageant with a large cast of Christ Church children, youth, and friends.

• Beautiful music-making and worshipleading in Canterbury Choir, led by Sue Bovan and Dr. Andrew Moore.

We are very happy that throughout 2023 our children were responsible for bringing forward the oblations and offerings each Sunday in worship…and they served proudly!

Rev. Bowie and Dr. J continued to provide monthly Bible Story Time and Chapel for our three- to five-year-old friends at the Christ Church Nursery School.

We welcomed three new Sunday School and Nursery Staff members in 2023 and were blessed to add church member and gifted children’s teacher Jeanne Albano to our teaching team. Numerous volunteers pitched in to help make the events described above possible. None of the work we do with children at Christ Church would be possible without the tireless efforts of our Building and Grounds Manager, James Johnson.

God continues to grow and bless us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead our youngest members in the path of Christ.

Christ Church Nursery School

Jennifer McGregor, Director

Established in 1962 as a mission of Christ Church, CCNS plays an active role in the education of approximately 180 children. We work to provide a nurturing and exciting learning environment for children of parishioners as well as children of Short Hills and neighboring communities.

Highlights of 2023:

• With the help of Michael Bardello, added security cameras to all exterior doors and playgrounds

• Increased security on exterior doors by switching to a key fob system

• Removed unsafe playhouse and repaired shed and walkway

• Converted a Drop-In classroom to a Two’s classroom due to high demand for twoyear-old nursery school spots

• Successfully piloted a Christmas Mini Camp

• Began the process of getting the whole interior of CCNS painte

Scouts

Michael Murphy & Chris Bennett

Since last year, we’ve had three new Scouts join Troop 15, and four Scouts have advanced to Life. Additionally, one Eagle Scout project was approved by NNJC. Six Scouts are preparing for a nine-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM this June. The Scouts have also completed two weeks at Ockanickon, a three-day canoe trip down the Delaware River, the Klondike Derby, and a two-day hiking trip at Round Valley Reservoir in the past year.

• Introduced the Early Childhood Environmental Ratings Scale and Infant Toddler Environmental Ratings Scale as a standard for evaluating our environment and curriculum

The CCNS administrative staff includes Mathiana Saint-Val, Assistant to the Director, Sumru Tuncer, Finance Manager and Meredith Amico, Office Assistant. Our dedicated teaching staff consists of 13 head teachers, 17 teacher assistants, 3 specialty teachers, two floater teachers and our custodian, Joel Bonilla.

Troop 15 volunteers:

Chartered Rep: Mahadevan Natarajan

Committee Chair: Raj Chakrabarty

Scoutmaster: Michael Murphy

Assistant Scoutmasters: Viswa Reddy, Ming Jia, David Holland

Treasurers: Vandana Sahni, Helen Ding

Fundraising: Ming Jia, Julie Murphy

Advancement Chair: Helen Jia

New Member Coordinator: Shiwani Tiwari, Julie Murphy

Camp Coordinator: Wei Liu

Education & Fellowship

Education for Ministry

Sandra Johnson, Mentor

This EfM group has been an active part of Christ Church’s commitment to lifelong education and Christian formation since Fall, 2000.

EfM is a 4-year program of study to which participants commit one year at a time - Old Testament (Year 1), New Testament (Year 2), Church History (Year 3) and Theology (Year 4). This is a safe, fun environment in which to deepen your experience and understanding of your own faith and religious tradition while working with others on applying it to your life experiences and challenges.

The group meets on Monday evenings from 7:30 – 10:00 pm from mid-September to Memorial Day. We meet in person meeting with a Zoom option available for those times when travel and weather make it more practical!

Two people graduated in June – Molly Ann Williams (St. Luke’s Montclair) and Scott Geller, a new member of CCSH.

Group size is required to be 6 – 12 so we are actively recruiting the Fall 2024.

Members: Valyrie Laedlein, Magaly Roman, Anthony Zuco, Anthony Errante (all St. George, Maplewood), Arnie Peinado and Juli Towell.

Church History Discussion Group

Sam Reckford, Convener

The Church History Discussion Group met monthly throughout the year to discuss a wide range of books that all touch on the history of religion in one way or another. We continue to meet via Zoom because it is convenient and has been working well for us.

We began the year continuing with Karen Armstrong’s The Great Transformation, which is an exploration of the Axial age, during which time the foundations of the world’s major religions were laid. The group found the non-Western (India/China) portions challenging and moved through it at a deliberate pace.

We then moved on to Jon Meacham’s American Gospel for our next book. It was a very readable examination of the role of religion in the history of the American experiment.

Intrigued by references to the early Jewish immigrants to America in the last book, we

decided to learn more by reading Max Dimont’s Jews in America. It was a quick and informative book, which whetted our appetite for a better understanding of the Jewish diaspora.

In December, we started Paul Johnson’s A History of the Jews, which delves into the development of the Jewish faith and forces that impelled Jewish migration around the world.

Members:

Sam Reckford, Don Snow, Fred Palmerton, Sandra Johnson, John Van der Tuin, Alice Longley, Juli Towell, Jane Houston, Cathy Fernandez

Parish Life

Jim Sammartino, Chair

This year, we held a number of traditional events and have plans for new special events in the Spring of 2024. It was a bittersweet year as our loved stalwart, Larry Neugebauer, passed away. We held a Celebration of Life for Larry on September 23rd, where both his family and friends honored him with tributes and toasts. Truly, Larry is looking down upon all of us with that beautiful smile of his. Another beautiful highlight worth noting was the ordination and celebration for Rev. Paul Keene on December 16th. It was a wonderful celebration and highlight for Rev. Paul as well as Christ Church. The Puerto Rican food, that Rev. Paul selected and ordered was truly a great treat for our fellow parishioners. Some of the other events, worth noting, include the following:

• January: Festive Epiphany Coffee Hour

• February: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

• April: Maundy Thursday Simple Supper and Worship

Interweave

Janet Maulbeck, Director

Interweave is an interfaith learning community centered on integrated spirituality for daily living. Interweave is delighted to call Christ Church its home. Many of our programs are held here, including bi-monthly Morning Meditation on Wednesdays.

Our mission is to deepen spirituality, strengthen wellness, and promote the common good. We invite people to acknowledge the sacred in everyday life and to develop their skills and capacities with a view towards a more just, inclusive society and a sustainable future.

Interweave Highlights of 2023:

• The year began with a moving presentation from author Barbara Gilford on her book, Heart Songs: A Holocaust Memoir on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

• May: Paul Jacobs Organ Recital and Reception

• September: Annual CCSH Picnic (a big success!)

• December: Annual Advent Wreath Making Supper with Caroling

• December: Ordination of The Rev. Paul Keene and joyful reception.

As always, we continue to look for other members of our parish to join us. It’s great fun and a great way for you to meet other CCSH friends.

Committee Members:

Cathy Fernandez, John Fernandez, Danny Jacobs, Janet Maulbeck, Bob Near, Sam Reckford, Patricia Shewmaker, Arlene Sommer, Gaye Torrance, John Soliguzzo, Don Syracuse, Audena Syracuse, Kevin Walsh, Maria Goriachi Rev. Paul Keene, Jim Sammartino

• Our annual fall telethon was a successful and nourishing event comprised of eight insightful conversations about wellness and our spiritual life.

• We offered “Praying Our Faith: A Course on The Book of Common Prayer“ which was open to all but also offered to those training for the deaconate of the Newark Diocese. We are proud to say that two of our students were just ordained.

• Our 2023 benefit celebrated Seeds of Love and those who nurture spirituality and common good. This year’s benefit will celebrate Carpe Diem on June 8th here in Parish Hall.

We welcome you to join us for a single class or event or to become a member and take advantage of our many wonderful programs. All are welcome! Visit our website - Interweave.org to learn more.

Coffee Hour

Sing Williams, Coordinator

Coffee hour fellowship takes place immediately after the 10 a.m. service every Sunday. It’s a great opportunity for church members to catch up with one another and to make sure visitors feel welcome. Church members are welcome to volunteer as coffee hour hosts for one or more Sundays. Hosts have fun providing a variety of sweet and savory treats. They are also acknowledged in the church bulletin. We had a number of first-time hosts in 2023 who said it was a nice way to volunteer without making a long-standing commitment.

Lunch Bunch

Peggy Baggaley, Coordinator

The Lunch Bunch group, a virtual “Coffee Hour” caters especially to senior members of the parish. We meet monthly on the second Monday of each month at noon on Zoom. The blessing of electronic connection enables friends who have moved out of town or even out of state to stay in touch and we are generally a small group, so everyone gets a chance to participate. We talk about what is

Martha & Mary!

Experienced coffee hour hosts are also happy to help you co-host. Sign-up is available in person at coffee hour or via Sign-up Genius.

going on in our lives and the lives of those whom we love. We remember those who have left us. And sometimes we touch on the issues of the day, The ability to get together has meant a great deal to all of us.

We will welcome anyone who would like to join us going forward. Please contact peggy.baggaley@ gmail.com to be added to our email list.

Joanne Gordon & Lisa Gadsden, Co-Coordinators

Martha and Mary! is in our 13th year of ministry! We are open to all women of the parish and get together semi-monthly on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. We met four times in the church kitchen during the calendar year to prepare frozen meals for those in need, continued our study of women in the bible with the book, Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler, and shared social time together. A PDF of the optional reading was emailed before each meeting.

This group is a drop-in whenever you can group offering shared ministry in parishioner support, bible study, and parish life. We met in-person; Feb 23rd (Lentil Soup), June 13th (Pot Luck Dinner), Oct 31st (Casseroles), Dec 5th (Cookie Exchange).

The Thursday Group

Cynthia McChesney, Convener

The Thursday Group is a small, vibrant faith ministry at Christ Church that’s been going strong for three years.

Based on a model for small group ministry presented by the Diocese in January 2021, six CCSH members signed up for a Lenten “experiment.” We began meeting by Zoom for one hour at the same time every week (Thursdays at 12:15). We follow a simple 4-part “recipe,” starting with gathering; then sharing a personal reflection on the question “where have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life recently?”; followed by a reading and discussion of that day’s scripture passage; and we conclude with prayer. Our scripture passage comes from Forward Day by Day. Throughout the 60 minutes, we talk, share, and connect, each finding it remarkably helpful to participate in a regular, midweek, spiritual practice with a small group.

In 2021, at the end of Lent and the experiment, there was a unanimous decision to continue. Now, three years later, we’re still going strong and have kept our shared commitment to each other, rarely missing a week. It is striking how each member

will often comment on how integral the group has become to their individual spiritual lives.

We do break up our schedule with periodic inperson celebrations (often around a meal), which we’d like to do more frequently, but also acknowledge that one reason this group has had such longevity is that a regular Zoom call built around a weekday lunchtime makes it easy to participate.

The format is accessible and adaptable, and we’re eager to extend an invitation to others within CCSH who may wish to establish similar groups. Whether it’s through in-person meetings, adjusting the frequency to bi-weekly or monthly, or varying the meeting times, there are numerous possibilities for structuring your own faith group. We’d be happy to offer guidance to anyone interested in setting up their own!

Members

Cynthia McChesney, Libby Clarke, Peggy Baggaley, Janet Maulbeck, Bonnie Rountree, Susan Thompson

Outreach

Outreach Grants Committee

JenniferVinsonhaler, Chair

Christ Church has a longstanding tradition of assisting God’s work through supporting notfor-profit organizations with hands-on assistance as well as monetary grants. The mission of the Outreach Grants Committee (the “Committee”) is to make grants in our immediate community, the Diocese of Newark, the State of NJ— and where appropriate — on a national and international level with a focus on distressed areas and lesser-developed countries where there is a sufficient relationship to Christ Church or one of its members. Additionally, the Committee will make recommendations to the Vestry for engagement opportunities for our parishioners with organizations that receive grants from us.

The responsbilities of the Committee include: the solicitation of grant applications, investigation and evaluation of applications, and grant allocation recommendations. Christ Church grants are either a lesser amount maintenance grant for ongoing support of organizations that Christ Church has historically supported or a larger impact grant which supports underfunded start-

up organizations and/or programs that present the possibility of substantial beneficial impact. Grants recommended by the Committee are presented for approval to the Vestry semi-annually in the Spring and Fall.

In 2023 the Committee awarded 15 grants totaling $53,500 which was under our budgeted $60,000. The Committee decided not to allocate all budgeted funds, in favor of carrying over the $6,500 surplus to the 2024 budget. Of the fifteen organizations that received a grant, eleven were recurring maintenance grants ranging in size from $1,000 to the maximum amount of $6,000. Four organizations were new to the Committee and also received grants up to $6,000. Ten of the fifteen are affiliated with a church from the Diocese of Newark and five were connected to our community and/or members of our parish. The Committee vetted a total of seventeen applications and turned down two for not meeting our criteria for grant recipients. Our parishioners and youth group also engaged with grant recipient, The Warehouse, during ThankServing by volunteering to donate essential housewares for their clients who were moved into their own housing after being displaced. Please visit the Outreach page on our website for more information.

The Committee meets four times a year and is composed of a chairperson; Jennifer Vinsonhaler, a member of the clergy; Rev. Paul Keene; our Director of Communications; Chris Whitaker, Vestry representatives; Warden Arnie Peinado, Junior Warden Dara Near, and Winston Kung; parishioners who have been long standing members; Cynthia McChesney, John Van Der Tuin, Don Snow, Melissa Bristol, Arlene Sommer, Joanne Gordon, Chris Bennett, and newer members Elaine Power and Janell Cerino for a total of 15 current members.

Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges

Peggy Baggaley, Coordinator

The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, Inc. (IFPO) is a volunteer-powered, supplemental food pantry helping to meet essential human needs of food-insecure residents living in Essex County, especially those residents of Orange, East Orange and West Orange, NJ. The IFPO is a collaboration among four faith-based congregations in Short Hills and South Orange— Christ Church Short Hills along with Congregation Beth El, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. But we have the support of many other dedicated individuals and organizations. The IFPO provides emergency food every Wednesday morning, except the first Wednesday of each month. The pantry’s warehouse and distribution center is located at 357 South Jefferson Street in Orange, NJ.

The IFPO has been serving the Oranges for 30 years. We have grown enormously each year so that we now serve an average of 700 families each pantry week, double our weekly distribution prior to the pandemic. This is done with the invaluable assistance of a large team of dedicated volunteers.

The IFPO provides food, fresh produce, toiletries, diapering essentials, menstrual care products and other essentials. We emphasize healthy items such as fresh milk, eggs, and produce, which often means purchasing more than 600 units of these items. We also offer access to additional resources through the monthly presence of various groups that help our clients understand available benefits, such as SNAP, WIC and health insurance. We

partner with a healthcare organization to provide screenings and vaccinations throughout the year.

Our clients include single men/women, veterans, senior citizens, families with young children, new immigrants to this country, single parents and people with disabilities. Many individuals are employed but do not make sufficient income to meet their basic food needs. 46% of the individuals we assist are children. Our clients come from households where the primary spoken languages are Spanish, English and Haitian Creole.

We are supported by in-kind donations, monetary donations and food drives from our member congregations, businesses and private individuals as well as schools, clubs and other organizations. For more information, contact peggy.baggaley@ gmail.com.

Administration & Finance

Treasurer’s Report

Jacob Cherian, Treasurer

Income

2023 continued to be positive year for our church. Our support income increased from $1.76 million to $2.00 million thanks to our members and worshipers who continued to support us from within 07078 but also from many other zip codes. Though contribution income reduced by $17,000, rental income increased by $49,000; program service income increased by $82,000 and income from our 140th anniversary gala event contributed an additional $126,000.

Our pledge income of $378,000 was $8,000 higher than budgeted. Plate Offerings of $12,000

also exceeded budget by $8,000. We budgeted for donations of $6,000 but received $32,000. All of the aforesaid increases and contributions show a solid indication of the community’s response to all the good work that Christ Church is doing. The latest tally of Stewardship is at $409,000. This level of support was last achieved in 2016.

Expenses

Our expenses of $1.80 million for the year were $116,000 more than 2022 expenses of $1.69 million. Expenses for salaries were $48,000 higher but still $19,000 lower than budgeted due to delay in recruiting a new Assistant Rector

who joined us in July, 2023 (savings of $32,000). Insurance costs increased due to various factors but mainly due to the 2021 flood related claims contributing to higher expense of $12,000. Lack of snow during early 2023 saved us an additional $34,000. We also had an overrun of expenses for programs by $14,000. Overall, church expenses were diligently managed within budgeted levels or as best as possible.

We have preliminary Financials as reviewed by the auditors, but awaiting finalization due to a delay in receiving year-end valuations from one of our investments.

The church continues to be blessed with adequate contributions from pledges, endowments, Christ Church Nursery school and Winston school rental income. As reported in prior years our reliance on Rental Income and Endowment Income remains a known concentration risk, however this is also a blessing that helps us render many activities.

Investments Committee Report

Todd Corbin

The Investment Committee meets quarterly to manage the investment of the endowment funds of the Church. It is governed by the Investment Policies and Procedures adopted by the Vestry which state the investment objective is ‘to achieve a return over a period of years equal to the rate of inflation, plus the growth of retained principal of 1-2% per year, plus the distribution to the operating budget of the Church.’ The projected cash distribution for 2024 is 4.25% of the threeyear moving average of the endowment’s market value, totaling $343,176. The total investment return achieved in 2023 was +15.6%, and one-year inflation (CPI-U) was +3.4%. The endowment funds of the Church totaled $7.6 million at yearend 2022 and $8.9 million at year-end 2023, net of capital contributions and distributions to the operating budget. The endowment is invested in a combination of public equity and fixed income funds (including commingled funds and ETFs), and cash equivalents.

Though short-term measurement periods are less meaningful, the endowment outperformed the stated total return target of the Investment Policy in 2023 due to a strong market recovery following

the difficult environment of the previous year. Of more importance, however, the ten-year annualized return of 7.3% is consistent with the long-term return objectives given the modest inflation environment that has prevailed over the entirety of that period as well as the Church’s prudent spending policy. In relative terms, the endowment’s one-year return of +15.6% underperformed the primary custom benchmark – a 60/30/10 blend of S&P 500/AA bonds/ money market funds, which returned +17.8%. This was largely driven by the smaller lookthrough allocation to mega cap growth companies compared to the market cap weighted S&P 500 equity component of the benchmark. The CCSH endowment outperformed the net return of the Episcopal Church (ECF) Pooled Funds by 1.2% in 2023, marking the 11th consecutive year of outperformance. Over the past ten years, the CCSH endowment has outperformed the net return of the ECF Pooled Funds by 2.2% on an annualized basis. A table of the investment portfolio of the endowment as of December 31, 2022 and 2023 is on the next page.

Stewardship Committee

Chuck Nwachuku and Dara Near, Co-chairs

The Stewardship committee plays an important role in the financial and spiritual well-being of the Christ Church community. We educate and advocate the principles of biblical stewardship recognizing the impact our time, talent and treasure has on the longterm sustainability of the church’s ministries. Some of our activities include:

• Program Planning and Objectives: Develop year-round objectives and schedules for stewardship. This includes Annual Campaign planning and member recognition.

• Participant Identification and Invitation: Identify and invite key speakers to talk about their spiritual journey or the impacts of our gifts serving those in the community in need.

• Creating Stewardship Awareness: Maintaining stewardship awareness as being year-round.

The 2024 Christ Church Stewardship campaign was a resounding success. Thanks to your generous contributions, our 2024 campaign garnered an impressive $409,249 in pledges. This amount reflects an increase of 10.6% compared to 2021. As a committee, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this overwhelming outpouring of support.

Your generosity enables Christ Church to amplify our impact on the various non-profit organizations that rely on our outreach grants to do more. The vital funds allow us to feed the hungry, provide clothing and shelter to the homeless, and offer essential support

services to women and children. Our campaign theme revolves around the metaphor of being “Deeply Rooted and Branching Out”.

Just as a tree draws sustenance from its roots, we at Christ Church, derive strength and nourishment from our spiritual community and faith experiences. These foundational roots shape our values, beliefs and commitment to our faith. Moreover, they inspire us to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Through our collective efforts, organizations like Apostles’ House (we are a founding member), the Interfaith Food Pantry of The Oranges, and The Warehouse to name a few, continue to make tangible differences in people’s lives.

In addition to the campaign, we hosted Allison Garde Esq., who educated us about Estate Planning during the third installment of our Faith and Finance series in April 2023. We also restarted the highly informative “Changing Lives” series as seen in the Sunday bulletin. This initiative provides parishioners with an in-depth understanding of our ministries thus fostering engagement and connection. Together as a deeply rooted community, your stewardship allows us to branch out and change lives.

Members:

Chuck Nwachuku, Dara Near, Sarah Rosen, Don Snow, Peggy Shilling, Juli Towell, Anne Miller and our clergy, The Revs. Bowie Snodgrass & Paul Keene. As always, new voices and ideas are welcome.

Yvonne Adighibe

Richard Appelgren & Peter Kolonia

Bob & Peggy Arnold

Phil & Peggy Baggaley

Jean Bailey

Joanne & Loren Balady

Michael Bardello & Elaine Power

Elena L. Barnum

Jane Barone

W. John Bauer

Chris & Sinead Bennett

Douglas & Lianne Boller

Jane Bonner

John & Abby Boozan

Valerie Boyle

Melissa Bristol

Andrew & Sallie Bunn

Carrie Cabush

David & Diane Cabush

Rey Calcano & Frances Adkins

Robert & Cheryl Campbell

David Carlson

Robert & Nancy Carter

Michael & Janell Cerino

Jennifer Chalsty

Scott & Bogi Chastain

Jacob Cherian & Relly Jacob

Bill Chrusciel & Clara Cortes

Libby Clarke & Jen Ragonese

Joseph & Kimia Clemente

Kathey Coombs

Todd & Alison Corbin

Valerie Crawford

Jonathan & Laurie DeCiantis

David & Helen Dwyer

Bobbi Engler

John & Cathy Fernandez

Terry & Heather Finan

William Fuller

Paul & Jean Funk

William & Lisa Gadsden

Grant & Marie Garcia

Joanne Ng Gordon

2023 Roll of Pledgers

We offer thanks to the following households who have supported Chrsit Church.

Richard & Marylee Greenlee

Douglas Grigg

Lauren Harrison

Ray & Susan Henry

William & Shirley Horbatt

Inese Houlis

Jane Houston

Gayle Hoyt

Kevin & Marian Johnson

Sandra T. Johnson

William & Sarah Johnson

Robert & Julia Kao

Paul Keene & Corey Clapp

Peter & Cynthia Kellogg

Reade Kem & Aki Nakao

Marc & Karen Keuler

Jae & Christine Kim

Ann Klemme

Christine & MJ Knoll-Finn

Winston Kung

Molly Lach

Hope Lampe

Andrew Laplante & Marjorie Perry

Peter Lewis & Yanni Hoa

David & Lauren Lischer

Alan & Alice Longley

Rick Marchisio & Sue Bovan

Jim & Emmy McBride

Greg & Patty McCarthy

Mike & Cynthia McChesney

Jay & Jane McGraw

Anne Miller

Andrew Moore & Susan Ironside

Louise Moos

Scott & Laura Morgan

Ellen Morris

Michael & Julie Murphy

Barbara Murray

Carter & Patsy Nance

Robert & Dara Near

Adaeze Nwachuku

Chuck Nwachuku

Ayo & Saha Onabule

Arnie & Sandra Peinado

Craig & Christine Ploetner

Robert Pyle, Jr.

Lynne Ranieri

Sam & Susan Reckford

Michael Reinhardt & Michelle Lesperance

Randy & Jean Riley

Michael & Mary Ellen Roberts

Sarah & David Rosen

Bonnie Rountree

Lillian Rountree

Jim Sammartino & Nancy Siracusa

Martin & Kristen Segal

Lucy & Gary Seligson

Dan & Kristin Shea

Patricia Shewmaker

Gary & Peggy Shilling

Debbie Smith & Ron Keefe

Rev. Bowie Snodgrass & George Mathew

Don Snow

John Sogliuzzo & Gaye Torrance

Arlene Sommer

Ruth Southwick

Marcia & Jeff Stuart

Adrianne HarrisonSurgeon

Don & Audena Syracuse

Susan & Tom Thompson

Juli Towell

Stanley & Diane Tso

Ken & Rose Udland

Myles & Pam Udland

John & Claire Van Der Tuin

Michael & Jennifer Vinsonhaler

Hannah Wallace

Gary Walz

Greg & Sing Williams

We recognize these faithful pledgers and supporters of Christ Church who died during this year.

Communications Committee Report

Gaye Torrance and Chris Whitaker, Co-chairs

The goal of the Communications Committee is to advance the programs and activities that support the ministries of Christ Church in Short Hills: Worship, Music, Community Outreach, and Youth & Parish Life.

2023 Highlights

The Organ Magazine, Autumn 2023

Issue

Feature Article: Historic-Aeolian Skinner Organ, Christ Church in Short Hills: 140th Anniversary Concert by organist Paul Jacobs.

The Organ Magazine, a London-based publication, is the foremost magazine featuring articles and essays dedicated to the pipe organ, reaching organ scholars, educators, students and enthusiasts worldwide. (Full article appears on page 20.)

140th Anniversary Recognition

Millburn Township issues a “Letter of Proclamation” for Sunday, April 23, 2023, in

commemoration of Christ Church in Short Hills 140th Anniversary.

“Letters of Congratulations” received from Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Mikie Sherrill

The Rev. Paul Keene Appointment and Ordination

Announcement of The Rev. Paul Keene appointment as Assistant Rector at Christ Church in Short Hills in the Summer, 2023 and the celebration of his ordination at the church in December, 2023.

Polly Bond Award Commendations

Christ Church in Short Hills received two Polly Bond Awards at the 2023 Episcopal Communicators Conference. The Polly Bond Awards recognize excellence in church communications across the Episcopal Church. Christ Church was recognized for its 140th Anniversary campaign: Deeply Rooted, Branching Out; and the 140th Anniversary Commemorative Guide.

Online and Social Media Presence

Ongoing, robust presence online and on social media with growth on all platforms

• YouTube Channel: 26,000 video views. Total of 279 subscribers, increase of 25%

• Website: Over 15,000 website visits and 37,000 page views in 2023

• Facebook: Reached more than 54,000 accounts, over 9,000 page visits, with new followers increasing 16% to total 840+

• Instagram: 205 followers, doubling the number of followers in 2023 from the previous year

• Podcasts: surpassed 1,000 downloads of sermons on our podcast platform

Buildings and Grounds Committee

Libby Clarke, Chair

The Building and Grounds Committee consists of 12 members who are responsible for the strategic planning and budgeting for capital improvements for the CCSH complex. The committee also oversees the maintenance and repair of the grounds, church building, East Lane education building, and rectory.

Church

• We completed all planned projects from last year. As the planned projects covered a wide swath of areas, this year has been remarkably quiet.

• Projects completed:

• Roof repairs

• Drive paved and lights moved

• Rectory windows installed

• Rectory basement refurbished

• We completed several smaller projects: a water heater for the sexton’s apartment, repairs around the grounds as needed. Sanctuary lamps have begun to break, so we are developing a larger strategy for these crucial pieces of church equipment.

• To launch the 140th grounds project, B&G members have been a part of the tree survey and map project of Eagle Scout Tom Bredlau.

This has been a long-drawn-out process. Arnie Peinado has handled the legal and civic processes and has gotten the pavilion itself approved. The manufacturer graciously gave us a model that complied with the city’s requirements. We are now starting the process of getting the cement pad approved and installed.

Goals for 2024

• Lighting plan for sanctuary: approx. $35,000

• Kitchen refurbishing

• Nursery School Pavilion construction!

Members: Libby Clarke, Dara Near, Cynthia McChesney, Sandra Johnson, and Arnie Peinado.

CCNS Pavilion

WARDENS AND VESTRY

Arnie Peinado, Senior Warden

Dara Near, Junior Warden

Rob Kao, Clerk of the Vestry

Jacob Cherian, Treasurer

Sue Bovan, Michael Cerino, Libby Clarke, Heather Finan, Jean Funk, Winston Kung, James McBride, Chuck Nwachuku, James C. Sammartino, Jennifer Vinsonhaler

Bonnie Rountree, Assistant Parish Treasurer

Lise Davis, Parish Counsel

CLERGY AND STAFF

The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, Rector

The Rev. Paul Keene, Assistant Rector

Dr. Andrew Paul Moore, Organist & Choirmaster

Chris Whitaker, Communications, Outreach, & Youth

The Rev. Dr. R. Kevin Johnson, Children’s Ministry

Georgeann duChossois, Parish Administrator

James Johnson, Plant Supervisor

Lydia Zapico, Finance Manager

Jennifer McGregor, Director of CCNS

Janet Aulet Maulbeck, Director of Interweave