Welcome to Church of the Holy Spirit!
36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
Via Venmo:
Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663] 
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The red door on an Episcopal (Anglican) Church is traditionally a sign of welcome. Come through the door, and you'll discover that we are a multi-generational, family-centered church.
Our congregation worships together, supports each other in times of trouble, celebrates together, and does God’s work in the world. We are open, welcoming, and inclusive. We invite you to join us! |
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Worship Schedule
Sunday Mornings
8am Quiet Eucharist - Also available via Zoom. 9am Choir Rehearsal (September - June) 10am Choral Eucharist and Sunday School (September - June) - Also available via Zoom and Facebook. Email our office for the Zoom logon passcode information. |
What's happening?
Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop to be held in November/December (four Saturdays)
On the following Saturday -- November 2, 16, 30 & December 14 -- from 9am to 12pm in our Fellowship Hall, we will host a Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop. Centering Prayer is a form of Contemplative Prayer, opening our hearts and minds to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond any thoughts, words and feelings. It is a prayer in silence, which we believe to be God’s first language. This four-part workshop will be led by Deacon Joanne O’Neill.
Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend and bring a friend!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 ~~ "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20
If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend and bring a friend!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 ~~ "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20
If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Time to Start Making Soup for the Soul!
Holy Spirit Verona will once again sell "Soup for the Soul" at Verona's Fair in the Square on Saturday, December 7. If you can make quarts of soup before then, please do so. We'll provide the containers, which are available in the Fellowship Hall. The soup can be stored in our lower level freezer until the December 7 event. Please write down the ingredients so our office can print up labels for the containers. Proceeds will go to our Operation Budget.
Sign up in the Fellowship Hall, so we know who is making what soup.
Sign up in the Fellowship Hall, so we know who is making what soup.
Fall Stewardship Campaign Has Begun - We "Walk in Love"
On Sunday, October 13, we kick off our Stewardship Campaign. This is the time of year when we each recommit our time, talent and treasure to the Holy Spirit Community. This year’s theme "Walk in Love" is an opportunity to be reminded of the love of God." We show our thanks for that love by sharing our gifts with each other and the world. We are each encouraged to discern where we see God's love in our daily lives. How can I share God's love with those around me? Where do I see God's love in this community and how do I share that love with Holy Spirit Verona and beyond?
Stewardship 2023-24 Timeline:
Sundays, October 13 - November 24 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 13 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 27, November 10, 17 & 24 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 24 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned
Stewardship 2023-24 Timeline:
Sundays, October 13 - November 24 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 13 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 27, November 10, 17 & 24 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 24 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned
Spiritual Enrichment Group: Maya Angelou and the Freedom Poetry of Advent
Beginning Sunday, November 24, our Spiritual Enrichment Group (at 11:45am via Zoom -- same link as Sunday Worship) will be using a program from SALT Project entitled Maya Angelou and the Freedom Poetry of Advent. Our group has used several programs from SALT Project and find them very thought provoking and insightful. Join us each week as we reflect on the items suggested in the workbook. Be with us for all four Sundays (one before Advent: November 24, and three in Advent: December 1, 8 and 15) or any that work for your schedule. For more information and/or a copy of the booklet, please contact Rev. Katherine, Father Jerry or Patti Walsh.
Advent Angel Tree - Toy Collection for St. Peter's Haven Clifton
The Outreach Committee continues the tradition of the Angel Tree in the Fellowship Hall. This year we are once again collecting donations for St. Peter's Haven in Clifton. Needed items include new toys ages 8 to 13 or gift cards. Please DO NOT wrap the gifts or use gift bags. The volunteers at St. Peter's Haven will wrap and label them accordingly. Toys are due by Sunday, December 15, and will be delivered to St. Peter's on Monday, December 16.
Any questions, speak with Catherine Tamasik or Mary Garland. For more information on St. Peter's Haven, click here.
Any questions, speak with Catherine Tamasik or Mary Garland. For more information on St. Peter's Haven, click here.
Advent is Here! First Sunday of Advent is December 1
The *official* first Sunday of Advent begins the Christian Church's new calendar year. Happy New Year! This year we move to Year C, using the Gospel of Luke for most Sundays. The traditional color of Advent is purple; however, the more contemporary color is blue as a tribute to the role of the Blessed Mother, Mary. Join us in the Sundays of Advent as we wait in expectancy for the Christ-child once again.
New Members' Welcome - Sunday, December 1 at 10am Service
Sunday, December 1 is the first day of the new Church Year. What a great time to welcome new households into our Church Family. During the 10am service we will ask new parishioners to share what brought them to Holy Spirit Verona and we will renew our Baptismal vows together with our newest family members.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 18
For the month of December, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, December 4 and Wednesday, December 18 in our Fellowship Hall at 1pm. This is a spiritual practice that benefits the practitioner and those gifted with these sacred mantles. This ministry is nondenominational and open to anyone who is seeking to step away from their daily stresses with an alternative form of meditation. Our dedicated knitters have made shawls, blankets for Baptisms, hats/scarfs for our Food Pantry, prayer patches for Memorial Day and so much more. Please email Rev. Katherine for additional information.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is December 7
Our Thrift Shop, located at 94 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston is open most Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm. Once a month the Shop opens on a Saturday from 10am to 1pm -- for December, the date will be Saturday, December 7. Pass by and check out their great deals! If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
Holy Spirit Verona Participates in Verona's Fair in the Square - Saturday, December 7
We will join in Verona's annual Fair in the Square event from 12-5pm on Saturday, December 7. For sale will be "Soup For The Soul." In addition, we’ll have a table in the Square with information about our open, welcoming and inclusive community! Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall to help for a 90-minute shift.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals - Sunday, December 1, 8 & 15, plus Saturday, December 21
The Christmas Pageant is Sunday, December 22 during the 10am Worship Service. We will rehearse for this at 11:30am on Sunday, December 1, December 8 and Sunday, December 15. Then the final dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 21 at 2pm. If you have any questions, please email Father Jerry or Ms. Kathleen Gentile.
Greening of the Church and Potluck Coffee Hour - Sunday, December 8
On Sunday, December 8 after the 10am Worship Service, join us as we decorate the Church for Christmas. Help us green the windows and other parts of the church as we prepare for the Pageant & Christmas Eve services.
In addition, we will have a potluck lunch so bring your favorite dish to share. Sunday School students will rehearse for the Christmas Pageant at 11:30am on this day.
In addition, we will have a potluck lunch so bring your favorite dish to share. Sunday School students will rehearse for the Christmas Pageant at 11:30am on this day.
Youth Confirmation Class - Sunday, December 8 at 1:30pm
Our youth Confirmation students will gather with Father Jerry and Mrs. Cynthia Holland in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 8 from 1:30 to 3pm to prepare for their Spring 2025 Confirmation. For further information, speak with Father Jerry. In addition to Holy Spirit Verona students, this year we welcome students from St. Peter's Clifton and St. John's Montclair.
Longest Night Service - Thursday, December 12 at 7pm
A Longest Night Service will be hosted by Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and The First Presbyterian Church at 7pm on Thursday, December 12 in the Chapel here at Holy Spirit Verona.
This is a service for anyone who finds that Christmas can be a challenging time. Come away from the chaos, let soft light and gentle music speak to you of healing and the presence of God in your life. Together we will mark the arrival of the Winter Solstice.
This is a service for anyone who finds that Christmas can be a challenging time. Come away from the chaos, let soft light and gentle music speak to you of healing and the presence of God in your life. Together we will mark the arrival of the Winter Solstice.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, December 13
Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, December 13 at 7pm - our usual second Friday of the month. Doors open and BINGO cards go on sale at 6pm; the first number is called at 7pm. $20 to play 10 Games, which includes $5 Admission and 6 cards per game. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own food. No alcohol is allowed and you must be 18 years old to play BINGO.
Additional set of sheets may be purchased for $15 and extra sheets for our cover-all game (Game #10) can be purchased for $5. It's a fun nigh out: you'll laugh, you'll dance, you'll have fun!
Additional set of sheets may be purchased for $15 and extra sheets for our cover-all game (Game #10) can be purchased for $5. It's a fun nigh out: you'll laugh, you'll dance, you'll have fun!
VFD Santa Sunday - Food Pantry Volunteers Sort on Sunday, December 15
The dedicated members of the Verona Fire Department will once again collect donations for the Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry on Sunday, December 15 throughout the day. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work, as well as the support of Verona residents!
Food Pantry volunteers will be in the lower level to sort and stock the food donations from 11:30 am to 1pm and 1 to 2:30pm (two shifts); email our Office Administrator if you can assist.
Food Pantry volunteers will be in the lower level to sort and stock the food donations from 11:30 am to 1pm and 1 to 2:30pm (two shifts); email our Office Administrator if you can assist.
Children's Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 22 at 10am
On Sunday, December 22 during our 10am Worship the children of our Sunday School will tell the story of Jesus' birth in our annual Christmas Pageant. We will also have a Children's Eucharist following the Pageant; the kids help Father Jerry set the table and it's a bit of a teaching Eucharist.
Arrive at 9:45am to participate in our Pageant. Parents should drop their child off in the Sunday School Room (lower level) by 9:40am as the students will be joining in the Procession which begins promptly at 10am. After the service all are invited into the Fellowship Hall for Coffee Hour.
Pageant rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday, December 1, Sunday, December 8 and Sunday, December 15 at 11:30am. The final dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 21 at 2pm; a complete run-through with costumes is planned.
Arrive at 9:45am to participate in our Pageant. Parents should drop their child off in the Sunday School Room (lower level) by 9:40am as the students will be joining in the Procession which begins promptly at 10am. After the service all are invited into the Fellowship Hall for Coffee Hour.
Pageant rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday, December 1, Sunday, December 8 and Sunday, December 15 at 11:30am. The final dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 21 at 2pm; a complete run-through with costumes is planned.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, December 22 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, December 22 at 10am with our Sunday School students assisting Father Jerry at the altar (he needs a lot of help, you know). The 10am Service is sure to be VERY interactive with Father Jerry asking our students questions before the start of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is great fun for children and those young at heart!
Be sure to join us in-person OR via Zoom to participate, pray and probably laugh.
Be sure to join us in-person OR via Zoom to participate, pray and probably laugh.
Christmas Eve Worship Services - 4pm and 10pm - Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve 2018 by Nick Contento
On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, we will offer two worship services. The 4pm Eucharist will include a Children's Sermon where Father Jerry will ask the "young worshipers" to join him at the front of the Church for an interactive discussion. Our 10pm Eucharist will include our Choir, who will also offer pre-service music starting at 9:45pm. Please join us as we welcome the Christ-child into our hearts and home once again. Merry Christmas!
Both services will be in-person and offered via Zoom (see "Worship - Service Times" for complete details. The 10pm Service is also available via Facebook Live. Booklets for the services can be found, here.
Both services will be in-person and offered via Zoom (see "Worship - Service Times" for complete details. The 10pm Service is also available via Facebook Live. Booklets for the services can be found, here.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, December 28
For the month of December, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, December 28, the fourth Saturday of the month. The Pantry will accept Essex County residents only (ID required) as shoppers in the lower level from 9 to 11am. Shoppers will remain in their vehicles with a limited number being invited inside at a time. Home deliveries are still available for Verona/Cedar Grove residents who are unable to visit Pantry; contact our Church Office for arrangements.
The first shift of volunteers is from 8:15-9:45am and the second shift is from 9:45-11:15am. The Food Pantry is typically open the 4th Saturday of every month from 9-11am. For more information see: http://holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.
The first shift of volunteers is from 8:15-9:45am and the second shift is from 9:45-11:15am. The Food Pantry is typically open the 4th Saturday of every month from 9-11am. For more information see: http://holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.
Carol Sing - Sunday, December 29 at 10am
On Sunday, December 29 our 10am Worship Service will be our usual Holy Eucharist (Communion) Service along with lots and lots of Christmas Hymn/Carol singing. Our Music Director, Ema Mitrović, will lead the singing and we hope you'll join from home or in-person and sing along. We will continue our celebration of the Christmas Season (it's not just one day, you know).
No Sunday School on Sundays, December 29
There will be no Sunday School classes on Sunday, December 29.
Classes will resume on the Feast of the Epiphany -- Sunday, January 5.
Classes will resume on the Feast of the Epiphany -- Sunday, January 5.
Feast of the Epiphany - Sunday, January 5, 2024
On the Feast of the Epiphany, we return to having our weekly 9am Choir Rehearsal and 9:55 am Sunday School. And we continue with our usual, 8am and 10am Services with Coffee Hour after the 10am Service.
On this day, Sunday, January 5, we may be visited by Three Kings, camels and a Dinosaur. Join us as we celebrate the gifts in our congregation and sing about a dinosaur. This is also the day you get your STAR WORD for 2025.
On this day, Sunday, January 5, we may be visited by Three Kings, camels and a Dinosaur. Join us as we celebrate the gifts in our congregation and sing about a dinosaur. This is also the day you get your STAR WORD for 2025.
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30pm
The Vestry typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. For the month of January, we will gather a on the Second Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30pm via Zoom to pray together, discuss the business of the church and enjoy each others' company. All relevant materials will be emailed to members the week before the meeting by Ms. Patti Walsh, Churchwarden.
Diocesan of Newark Sesquicentennial Celebration - A Year of Events
Father Jerry is co-chairing the Diocese's 150th Celebration Celebration and a series of events have been scheduled between September 2024 and Summer of 2025. Please consider joining any and all of these. For additional information about the Sesquicentennial Celebration, visit the Diocesan website or email Fr. Jerry.
"Here Come The Sun" Solar Panel Capital Campaign
In the Spring of 2022, Holy Spirit Verona joined other churches in the Diocese of Newark in an agreement with Performance Solar of Richmond, Virginia. Through this agreement, 20% of the cost of the solar panels AND roof replacement was paid by Performance Solar.
Our roof was replaced prior to the solar installation as it had been determined that our previous roof was over twenty years old. Both the roof replacement AND the solar panel installation were completed by Azimuth Renewable Energy (azimuthrenew.com) of Manasquan, New Jersey.
The solar panel and roof work have been financed through a 20-year loan with the Diocese at 4.75% interest rate. Our hope with this Capital Campaign is the lower the principal on the loan of which was approximately $67,000 for solar panels and $36,000 for the roof. There are different levels to donate: Mercury - $1,000, Venus - $500, Mars - $400, Jupiter - $200.
Each of these will give you the ability to “name” a particular solar panel in honor or memory of someone OR perhaps a particular group (Spiritual Enrichment Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, etc.). A memorial frame will be hung in the Fellowship Hall with all the dedications.
Visit the e-payment portion of our website, pay via Venmo, send a check, whatever works best for you. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.
Our roof was replaced prior to the solar installation as it had been determined that our previous roof was over twenty years old. Both the roof replacement AND the solar panel installation were completed by Azimuth Renewable Energy (azimuthrenew.com) of Manasquan, New Jersey.
The solar panel and roof work have been financed through a 20-year loan with the Diocese at 4.75% interest rate. Our hope with this Capital Campaign is the lower the principal on the loan of which was approximately $67,000 for solar panels and $36,000 for the roof. There are different levels to donate: Mercury - $1,000, Venus - $500, Mars - $400, Jupiter - $200.
Each of these will give you the ability to “name” a particular solar panel in honor or memory of someone OR perhaps a particular group (Spiritual Enrichment Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, etc.). A memorial frame will be hung in the Fellowship Hall with all the dedications.
Visit the e-payment portion of our website, pay via Venmo, send a check, whatever works best for you. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.
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