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 information. |
What's happening?
Christmas Jazz Concert - Sunday, December 10 at 4pm
On Sunday, December 10 at 4pm we will host a Christmas Jazz Concert. Tickets are $25 per person or $15 for students. To get tickets: visit our electronic giving page OR Venmo Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663] (put "concert" in comments) OR at the door.
Light refreshments and beverages will be available following the concert. Our Music Director Ema Mitrović will be the vocalist, on drums will be Tim Horner, on piano Joshua Richman and on bass Anthony Perez. To read more about the artists' bios, click here.
Light refreshments and beverages will be available following the concert. Our Music Director Ema Mitrović will be the vocalist, on drums will be Tim Horner, on piano Joshua Richman and on bass Anthony Perez. To read more about the artists' bios, click here.
Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry Now to Serve Essex County Residents Only
Effective October 2023, our Food Pantry will be available to Essex County residents only. Our leaders have determined that our small congregation is not able to sustain the large numbers of shoppers we have been seeing since the pandemic. Shoppers in attendance at our August and September Food Pantry days were made aware of this change and provided with a list of alternate food assistance organizations. At our Food Pantry on Saturday, October 28, shoppers will be required to provide photo identification. We will allow one person per household to shop, and we will only accept residents of ESSEX COUNTY.
Advent is Here! First Sunday of Advent is December 3
The *official* first Sunday of Advent begins the Christian Church's new calendar year. Happy New Year! This year we move to Year B, using the Gospel of Mark 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.
Spiritual Enrichment Group: Magnify - Mary's Song and the Magnificent Women of Advent
Beginning Sunday, November 26, our Spiritual Enrichment Group (at 11:45am via Zoom -- same link as Sunday Worship) will be using a program from SALT Project entitled Magnify - Mary's Song and the Magnificent Women 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 and three in Advent) 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 17, and will be delivered to St. Peter's on Monday, December 18.
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.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals - Sunday, December 3 & 10, plus Saturday, December 16
The Christmas Pageant is Sunday, December 17 during the 10am Worship Service. We will rehearse for this at 11:30am on Sunday, December 3 and Sunday, December 10. Then the final dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 16 at 2pm. If you have any questions, please email Father Jerry.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Reopens -- new location is in the former St. Peter's Livingston rectory
Our Thrift Shop, located at 94 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston has now been relocated to the house (former rectory) on the same property. The Shop will reopen to customers on Tuesday, December 5 from 10am to 1pm. There are new guidelines for those visiting the Thrift Shop; for more information, visit heavenlyfinds.org. Donations are welcome and must be dropped off in Livingston.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, December 8
Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, November 10 at 7pm; doors open and BINGO cards go on sale at 6pm. Entrance fee (with sheets for ten games) is $20; the first number is called at 7pm. 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!
Another Special Jewelry Sale at BINGO on Friday, December 8
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop presents a special JEWELRY SALE on Friday, December 8, at BINGO, 6-7pm and during the intermission to benefit Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry.
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Greening of the Church and Potluck Coffee Hour - Sunday, December 10
On Sunday, December 10 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.
Verona Fire Department Santa Sunday - Food Pantry Volunteers Sort on Sunday, December 10
The dedicated members of the Verona Fire Department will once again collect donations for the Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry on Sunday, December 10 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 12:30 to 2pm and 2 to 3:30pm (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 12:30 to 2pm and 2 to 3:30pm (two shifts); email our Office Administrator if you can assist.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Tuesday, December 13
For the month of December, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, December 13 at 1pm in our Fellowship Hall. 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.
Children's Christmas Pageant - Sunday, December 17 at 10am
On Sunday, December 17 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 9:45am 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 3 and Sunday, December 10 at 11:30am. The final dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 16 at 3pm; 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 9:45am 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 3 and Sunday, December 10 at 11:30am. The final dress rehearsal is Saturday, December 16 at 3pm; a complete run-through with costumes is planned.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, December 17 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, December 17 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.
Longest Night Service - Thursday, December 21 at 7pm
A Longest Night Service will be hosted by Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and The First Presbyterian Church at 7pm on Thursday, December 21 in the Sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, 10 Fairview Avenue.
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.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, December 23
For the month of December, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, December 23, 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.
No Morning Services on Sunday, December 24 for Advent IV (4)
Because Christmas Eve is on a Sunday (December 24) there will NOT be any morning services to celebrate Advent IV (4). Instead, on Saturday, December 23 at 5:30pm in the Chapel we will mark the final Sunday of the Advent Season with a special candlelight Eucharist.
To celebrate Christmas Eve, join us at 4pm or 10pm on Sunday, December 24.
To celebrate Christmas Eve, join us at 4pm or 10pm on Sunday, December 24.
No Sunday School on Sundays, December 24 or December 31
There will be no Sunday School classes on Sunday, December 24 or Sunday, December 31.
Classes will resume on the Feast of the Epiphany -- Sunday, January 7.
Classes will resume on the Feast of the Epiphany -- Sunday, January 7.
Christmas Eve Worship Services - 4pm and 10pm - Sunday, December 24
Christmas Eve 2018 by Nick Contento
On Christmas Eve, Sunday, 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.
NOTE: there will be NO MORNING SERVICES on Sunday, December 24. We will mark the 4th Sunday of Advent on Saturday, December 23 at 5:30pm with a Candlelight Service of anticipation in our Chapel which will include Eucharist and acapella singing.
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.
NOTE: there will be NO MORNING SERVICES on Sunday, December 24. We will mark the 4th Sunday of Advent on Saturday, December 23 at 5:30pm with a Candlelight Service of anticipation in our Chapel which will include Eucharist and acapella singing.
Sunday School Classes Resume on January 7
There will be no Sunday School classes on December 24 or December 31. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 7 for the Feast of the Epiphany. Are you ready to talk about Kings, Camels and a Dinosaur? For additional information on our Sunday School program, click here or email Father Jerry.
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30pm
The Vestry (as of January 2024) typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so Zoom unless otherwise indicated. This month we will gather a on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30pm 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.
"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 rector@holyspiritverona.org. 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 rector@holyspiritverona.org. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.
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