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Atriums 1 & 2 and Youth Group Begin  September 13
 
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children ages 4 to 10, and Journey to Adulthood for those 11 and up, begin the season on September 13.  Atrium 1 (ages 4-6) is from 9 to noon, while Atrium 2 (ages 7-10) and youth group meet from 10:10 to 10:50.  For questions, contact Leza Kramarenko for Atriums and Chris Alvarez for youth group.  Bring the kids to get to know each other and their teachers for the year!
Celebrate the accessible Neighborhood House

Work is underway on the Neighborhood House and North Garden renovations.  Come celebrate the official groundbreaking at 10:15 a.m., between the services, on Sunday Sept. 20, Ministry Sunday, when we dedicate the future of Neighborhood House to the mission of Christ Church

N/H Atrium
The Blessing of the Animals, Oct. 4, 4 PM
 
Sunday, October 4 is a full day dedicated to the spirit of St. Francis.  In the 11 AM service, we will take inspiration from his prayers and hymns.  At 1 PM, we advocate for the poor through supporting the Scavenger Hunt.

At 4 PM, we have the traditional service of the "Blessing of the Animals" in the North Garden.  All animals, alive and stuffed, are welcome.

 
Coming Up at Christ Church
Sunday Worship at 9 and 11 AM

Christ Church picks up its hot-weather rhythm with Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m., and Morning Prayer at 11 a.m.  Prepare for worship by reading the scripture for the day here.  During the 10:10 hour, come enjoy treats, lemonade, and each other's company in the North Garden. 
Back from Vacation

Tim with a fish. I am back from vacation (you should see the fish that got away!) and grateful to Susan Richardson who has "minded the store" so well in my absence.  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and in the weeks ahead.
            Timothy Safford
 
Watch the WHYY program on Christ Church's Sarah's Story
 
Diane Johnson as "Sarah"
Christ Church has long been known as a church that offers itself, its gifts, and its history to the public.  One way we've done this is "Sarah's Story," a dramatization of the story of slavery in Philadelphia and in Christ Church's history that has captured public interest and acclaim.  Click here to view WHYY's brief video broadcast about "Sarah's Story." 
Is cleanliness next to godliness?

parish workdayIf so we need your help!  Mark your calendars for our next parish work days, September 19 and October 31, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We gather as a community - all ages! - to clean and polish the church and Neighborhood House.  A great act of grassroots stewardship, each workday saves lots of money.  Many hands make light work, so join your fellow parishioners for some volunteer light labor and have fun doing it!  Contact Jeanne Stuardi to be on the contact list; details will follow.
Our fall small group program

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 in my real life experiences?  We'll draw on the wisdom in Barbara Brown Taylor's book, An Altar in the World. 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.
Build a team for the Old City Scavenger Hunt to fight homelessness in Philadelphia
Scavenger Hunt
Does your employer have social service funding that could sponsor you and a team of your colleagues for the hunt?  Or maybe your child's class at school would like to sponsor his or her "hunting" to benefit Project H.O.M.E. For information or to register, visit here.  To ensure we have materials for everyone, please register by September 30.  Kids 5 and under are free.  So build your team and come along!
Saturday October 10, help discern the future of worship at Christ Church

"The mission of the Church," we are taught in the Anglican tradition, "is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ."  Honestly, I am hard pressed to explain exactly what this means and how it happens, but the second part of the teaching tells me exactly what to do: "The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace and love."  Read more.