St. Mary’s, Sparta and Church of the Messiah, Chester have been working together in a collaborative ministry model since 2024, with the Rev. Elizabeth Ivell serving as priest-in-charge of both congregations.
Recently the Joint Admin Committee, a collaborative group of leaders from the two congregations, brought them together for a service project benefiting the wider community. The August 2 event, held at St. Dunstan’s, Succasunna – midway between Sparta and Chester – collected donations for Roxbury Social Services.
Called “Stuff the Trunk Ice Cream Social,” the turnout was so large, and so many items were donated, that not only the trunk of Mother Elizabeth’s car, but the back seat as well, were, in fact, stuffed. The collaboration offered an opportunity for the two congregations to come together in fellowship while supporting neighbors in need.
