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Second BCEF Call of 2016: Holy Communion, Norwood

The new access ramp at Holy Communion, Norwood

The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop. The second BCEF call of 2016 is for an access ramp at the Church of the Holy Communion in Norwood.


The Church of the Holy Communion in Norwood is making a marked difference in its community. Recently CHC began offering an exciting new worship experience on Sunday afternoon at 5 pm called God Light. Designed to appeal to those seeking a more modern and informal liturgy, the service features contemporary language and more nontraditional music.

The Rev. Jim Petroccione, CHC Rector, says the new service is but one aspect of the congregation’s commitment to what the parish calls “radical hospitality.” Petroccione describes a busy food pantry the church has opened in its sacristy, providing forty families with food each month. “The church also serves the community with a preschool,” he adds.“ We have a total of 85 children enrolled and offer tuition that’s very affordable for families on a budget.”

The same commitment to hospitality is embodied in a newly-installed access ramp that was used for the first time in mid-April. Parish warden Debbie Gay explained how the breakfast served each Sunday, the Christian education program, and the weekly coffee hour all take place in the parish hall—and that access to it had been severely limited because of having a flight steps at each entry.

Gay says one group is especially close to the heart of all CHC members. “We have a number of worshippers from the nearby Spectrum for Living residence, many of whom use walkers or wheel chairs,” Gay said. Spectrum is a nonprofit agency that assists adults with developmental disabilities with housing and clinical services. “We were determined that they be fully included in parish activities and so we are all rejoicing about the new ramp!” 

Your generous 2016 contribution to the Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund will help Church of the Holy Communion to pay for this much needed improvement and to continue serving both the spiritual and the everyday needs of its community.

Peace,

The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith
Bishop of Newark