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Our Fall Program:  Finding God on the Altar of the World
Our 12-week Tuesday evening program this fall will grapple with the basic spiritual questions:  How do I encounter God day to day? How do I find God on the altar of my real life?  Each week, drawing on the wisdom in Barbara Brown Taylor's book, An Altar in the World, we will work in small groups to explore spiritual practices such as "Waking Up to God," "Feeling Pain," "Living with Purpose," and "Pronouncing Blessings."  The program begins Tue., Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Childcare  provided with advance RSVP.  Questions?  Contact the Rev. Susan Richardson, and to register, contact Cecilia Wagner.
 
Fall Baptism Dates
Our autumn baptisms are  September 20, Ministry Sunday; October 25 at 11 a.m., Children and Youth Sabbath; and November 1 at 9 a.m., All Saints' Day. If you would like to have a baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the Rev. Susan Richardson.
 

Coming Up @ Christ Church
 
Worship at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m.
Christ Church picks up its hot-weather rhythm with Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m., and either Eucharist or Morning Prayer at 11 a.m.  Click here for the lectionary readings.  During the 10:10 hour, come enjoy treats, lemonade, and each other's company in the North Garden. 
Old City Scavenger Hunt to Help Fight Homelessness in Philadelphia
Some 527 people were living on the streets in the city, according to last fall's census, compared with 334 people during the same period five years ago. The count also showed as many as 25 percent more people than last year sleeping on streets, in overnight shelters, in the airport, and in train stations. The shelter system's 2,879 entry-level beds have been full, with approximately 2,800 homeless children still not served by the city's system.
 
Poster by Henry Vega
Project H.O.M.E. remains one  of Philadelphia's key organizations in helping people who struggle with homelessness and coordinating city resources.  Yet many large donors, also hit by the recession, have told Project H.O.M.E. to expect smaller donations this year, and government funding may also well be cut.  
 
We can reach out to Project H.O.M.E. and to whose whom they help.  Become an Old City detective on Sunday October 4, at 1 p.m., at the Christ Church fall outreach event.  Using clues and digital cameras provided by cityHUNT, a professional scavenger hunt company, we'll gather in teams of all ages to have lots of fun looking at Old City and our neighbors there in a whole new way.  The cost is $20 per person, with any additional offerings going to Project H.O.M.E.  For more info or to sign up, visit www.christchurchphila.org/hunt or contact the Rev. Susan Richardson.
"Life at Christ Church" Class
New to Christ Church?  Curious about what the Episcopal tradition is all about?  Come and share the stories that have brought you through these doorways, and reflect with clergy and fellow seekers on our life together as a faith community.  Our next Life at Christ Church class is Saturday, Oct. 3, 8:30 to 2 in Neighborhood House.  To register, email Cecilia Wagner
Neighborhood House Renovation

Project Access 2010 continues.  As we clear out the old to make room for the new (like the old bricks in the courtyard, right), you can visit the web site or check with staff or vestry if you have any questions.  Want to glance through the doors at how church-past is becoming church-future?  After a Sunday service, check with Bruce Gill or Andrew Phillips.

Friends:
We are in the process of sending occasional emails, such as this one, with upcoming events and programs. Please let me know what you think.
Faithfully,
Susan Richardson