Dear Christ Church Friends,

In this season of caring, sharing, and giving, we invite you to make a year-end gift inspired by Matthias, the apostle chosen to join the 11 disciples in Acts 1:26. Your Matthias Gift will support a special opportunity to enhance Christ Church’s safety, accessibility, and welcome. Our goal is to raise $27,000.

THE NEED

The Highland Avenue crosswalk has been a long-standing concern. Cars often speed down the hill, unaware of the crosswalk, which is used regularly by worshippers, parish staff, choir members, and Winston School teachers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This year, Michael Cerino, Chair of our new Safety Committee, worked with Millburn Township officials to secure a Push Button Flashing Crosswalk System for Highland Avenue, valued at $13,000.

To preserve our magnificent magnolia tree, the crosswalk sign on the church side will need to be hardwired, while the parking lot side will be solar-powered. Code requires the crosswalk to connect to a walkway, so we plan to add an ADA-compliant concrete pad and a bluestone walkway leading to the existing path. This work is estimated at $17,000.

Additionally, we aim to install ADA-compliant Push Plate Door Openers for the Parish Hall entrance to allow for a fully accessible entry to the church. This is estimated at $10,000.

The total cost of this project is $40,000,

with Millburn Township contributing $13,000.

Will you help us raise the remaining $27,000 with a Matthias Gift?

HOW TO GIVE

You can contribute by mail, online, or by a gift of stocks or annuities. Please reach out to Rev. Bowie or Arnie Peinado, Senior Warden, with any questions or to make a commitment.

This unique opportunity will benefit our church community, building users, and guests. Thank you for supporting Christ Church in 2024, for your generous 2025 pledges, and for considering a year-end Matthias Gift!

Blessings,

The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, Rector